Hundreds give thanks to God for successful Ghana 2008

Monday, February 18, 2008 — Centre Page

Story: Lucy Adoma Yeboah & Rebecca Quaicoe Duho
HUNDREDS of Ghanaians from all walks of life gathered at the Independence Square in Accra last Saturday to give thanks to God for seeing the nation through the successful hosting of the 26th Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The service, which was organised by the Women’s Aglow International, was also used to honour the mothers of the players of the Black Stars.
In attendance were Ministers of State, ministers of the gospel, mothers of some of the Black Stars players, supporters unions, football fans and the general public who adorned themselves in the national colours of red, gold and green, with the Black Star.
Ministers who attended the programme were the Minister of State in charge of Education, Youth and Sports, Ms Elizabeth Ohene, the Deputy Minster of Education, Mr O.B. Amoah, the Minister of Aviation, Ms Gloria Akuffo, the Minister of Chieftancy Affairs, Mr S.K. Boafo, and the Deputy Minister of Harbours and Railways, Ms Sophia Horner-Sam.
Some government officials who were present were the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, and the Chief Operating Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Ghana 2008, Mr Rex Magnus Danquah, both of whom danced and praised God for a successful tournament.
Music was provided by the Police Band and some Ghanaian musicians, notably Grace Ashy, who is well noted for singing in honour of the senior national team.
As the congregation sang, clapped and danced to the glory of God, some among them, including the mothers of some of the players, were seen doing the ‘kangaroo dance’ which featured prominently during the tournament.
The various supporters groups displayed their dancing skills as they danced in special ways unique to each group.
The President of the Women’s Aglow International, Mrs Emelia Boadi Dankwa, and the National Prayer Co-ordinator of the fellowship, Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, on behalf of the fellowship presented gifts to the mothers of the players who were present.
The mothers present included Madam Mary Donkor, mother of the acting skipper, John Mensah; Madam Comfort Afua Amoate, the mother of the injured skipper, Stephen Appiah; Madam Cecilia Love Amoako, the mother of Baffour and Asamoah Gyan, and Ms Jennie Everett, the mother of Manuel Junior Agogo.
The rest were the mother of Richard and Laryea Kingson, Madam Mary Tsotso, Madam Aba Gyande, the mother of Michael Essien, and Hajia Kande, Sulley Ali Muntari’s mother.
Mrs Jane Acquah, the wife of the late former Chief Justice, was also present.
Also present were One Man Supporter, Mr Abraham Boakye, who is also the President of the Ghana Supporters Union, the President of the Women Supporters Union, Ms Freda Prempeh, Mr Edmund Ackah, the President of the Nation-wide Supporters Union, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Elizabeth Ohene, a Minister of State at the Ministry of Education, who was the guest of honour, congratulated Women’s Aglow on their initiative, saying it was appropriate to give honour where it was due.
She said never in the history of the nation had the country been so united as it did during the 21 days of soccer, saying that the tournament also united the whole of Africa, sending a positive message to the international community.
She said although Ghana did not win the cup, as had been expected by all, the players made the country proud by playing their hearts out to capture the third place.
Ms Ohene said with determination and hard work, the country was able to overcome all obstacles that came its way during the preparatory stages of the organisation of the tournament.
She said although the tourism and hospitality industry did not cash in as much as was expected, the preparation in itself had afforded most hospitality industries to upgrade their facilities, as well as train more people in the industry to be more efficient and serviceable.
Speaking on behalf of the mothers of the players, Ms Everett thanked Women’s Aglow for the honour them.