Accra, Feb 20, GNA - Osei Bonsu Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports has advised the two newly formed sub-committees of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of GHANA 2008 to join forces with other sectors for the success of the event. He said a lot has already been done by the LOC and tasked the Opening and Closing ceremonies, Medical and Doping Committees to join hands in earnest to collaborate to achieve the desired results. Mr Amoah who said this at the inauguration of the two bodies in Accra on Wednesday noted that the LOC will be counting on the expertise and initiatives of the Committees to raise the standards and deliver to the admiration and satisfaction of Ghanaians.
"Between now and January 2008, we expect you to diligently pursue the activities which will enable you achieve the objectives of Ghana as the host nation."
Mr Amoah reckoned that the task ahead is enormous and required great dedication and sacrifices to succeed.
"The inauguration of the two committees to a large extent signifies the nation's closeness to honouring the pledge and responsibility of hosting Africa's most coveted sporting event". Dr Kofi Amoah, Chairman of the LOC Board admitted that even though the achievements of the Committee may seem little compared to the task ahead, they have helped to underscore several possibilities that lie within reach.
"Both committees are integral to the organisation of the tournament and will give further assurances regarding our preparedness and entrench the nation's ambition to host a fabulous event". The Opening and Closing Ceremonies Committee will seek to establish the spiritual and material essence of the nation and also produce a blue print for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the opening of the Kumasi Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Medical and Doping Committee is mandated to establish special help desks at all medical institutions nationwide to facilitate speedy delivery of services during the tourney.
Togbe Afede XIV, Paramount Chief of the Ho Traditional Area and First Vice Chairman of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies Committee in an address commended the LOC for putting together a truly Ghanaian committee.
He said this will enhance the LOC's quest to add a traditional touch to the opening ceremony to set the tone for the competition. Other members of the Committee include Nii Adotey Obuor II, Sempe Mantse 96 Second Vice Chairman and Prof J. H. Nketia, University of Ghana 96 Third Vice Chairman.
The other members are Dr. Francis Nii Dodoo, Mr. Kwaw Ansah (TV Africa), Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Prof. K. K. Adarkwa, Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof Kwesi Yankah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Mr Bolina Saaka, Chairman of the Tamale Venue Organising Committee and Mr Berefi Appenteng, Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited.
The rest are Mr Teddy Osei - Leader of Osibisa, Mr Mike Amon=96Kwafo - Set Designer, Prof. Martin Owusu 96 School of Performing Arts, Mr Zapp Mallet 96 Music Producer, Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi-President of the Ghana Football Association, Nana Akua Busia 96 African Fashion Designer and Ms Joyce Ababio 96 Vogue Clothing.
Mr Ackah Anthony-President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Mawuli Okudzeto 96 Fashion Designer, Mr Kofi Ansah 96 Fashion designer, Mr Mike Bonsu 96 Sound Engineer, Mr Stanley Adjiri-Blankson 96 Chief Executive of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Mr Papa Pappus Nketiah 96 Artist and Mr Magnus Rex Danquah, Operating Director of the LOC completes the list.
The Medical/Doping Committee is made up of Prof. Agyemang Badu Akosa 96 Chairman, Dr Felix Anyah 96 Holy Trinity Spa and Health farm, Vice Chairman, with Madam Hilda Commey, Dr Ahmed Zakaria, Intensive Care Consultant, Brigadier Dr Apeagyei 96 37 Military Hospital and Dr Martin Engmann, Team Doctor of the Black Stars as members.
The rest of the members include Mr Kenneth Agbodza 96 Pharmacist, Mrs Betty Awal 96 Physiotherapist, Dr Ed Nignpenfp-Poison and Drug Centre, Ridge Hospital, Dr Fordjour, 37 Military Hospital and Mr Simpson. 20 Feb. 07
