In the early hours of Saturday morning, Ghanaians were awakened by grim news regarding the condition of Ghana international Christian Atsu.
In the early hours of 6 February, an earthquake struck the Turkey-Syria region, trapping the Turkish Süper Lig club Hatayspor winger under the rubble.
Christian Atsu and Taner Savut, the club's sporting director, were reported missing in the aftermath.
Friends and family of the footballer had been anxiously awaiting any news of a miraculous escape from the tragedy since the terrible earthquake that struck Turkey days earlier.
But in the early hours of Saturday morning, Turkish club Hatayspor announced that the 32-year-old had died.
The player's Turkish agent, Murat Uzunmehmet, was the first to break the terrible news at 5:00 Ghana time.
The news has left Ghanaians and supporters of the former Black Stars footballer in a state of deep depression.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well-wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning,” Sechere wrote on Twitter.
“My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.”
“I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”
A Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party, Alan John Kyeremanteng has also sent his heartfelt condolence to the family of the 32-year-old.
On the micro-blogging site, the former Trade Minister said “My heartfelt condolences to the wife, children and the entire football fraternity on the loss of the international legend, Christian Atsu”.