Ghana receives flag as host of next Nations Cup

Accra, Feb 13, GNA - Ghana last Friday received a flag from the Confederations of Africa Football (CAF), as symbol of recognition to the nation as official hosts of the 26th Nations Cup Tournament, scheduled for 2008.

Issa Hayatou, President of CAF, presented the flag to Mr. Magnus Rex Danquah, Co-ordinating Secretary of Ghana's Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

The CAF President made the presentation upon receiving it from Egypt's LOC Chairman, Hanx Abou Rida and tasked Mr. Danquah to exceed Egypt's effort of ensuring a successful competition. Mr. Danquah told the GNA Sports that he was buoyant about Ghana's ability to surpass anticipation when the soccer elites descend on the country in early 2008.

The brief ceremony that preceded the award presentation to the victorious teams brings to an end speculation that Ghana would be stripped of the right to host the biannual event. Initial speculation alleged that Mozambique had been offered the right to host the event, citing the slow pace of works on facilities to be used for the championship by Ghana.

Many misconstrued Mozambique's campaign for the right to host the 2010 event as a crusade to snatch the Ghanaians' right when they paraded in branded T-Shirts and other paraphernalia during the competition in Egypt.

Ghana won the bid to host the competition for the second time in six years after co-hosting it with Nigeria in the New Millennium. The Ohene Djan and Baba Yara Stadia in Accra and Kumasi are expected to receive major face-lift to compliment the two new ones to be built in Sekondi and Tamale for the event, which has Egypt as the current over-all holders. 13 Feb. 06