Parliament congratulates Stars victory in opening match

Accra, Jan 22, GNA - Parliament on Tuesday commended the Black Stars of Ghana on their sterling performance in the opening match against Guinea at the 26th MTN Africa Cup of Nations underway in Ghana. Mr Isaac Asiamah, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports said the win was a good beginning ad a positive omen for the nation.

He said, "Indeed Mr Speaker, the victory of the Black Stars last Sunday has electrified the entire country and unified the nation. The wild jubilation that greeted the vintage victory across the length and breadth of the country underscores the fact that soccer is the passion of the nation," Mr Asiamah said on Tuesday in Parliament in a congratulatory message to Stars.


"Mr Speaker, every Ghanaian everywhere wishes the Stars the best of luck even though the road to annexing the trophy for the fifth time is very rough and tough, but with perseverance and determination, victory is certain. They should be baptized with the spirit of win-win so that our 'Host and Win' objective will become a reality." The Chairman, however, cautioned football fans to be more responsible in their jubilation, avoid careless driving, alcoholism and indecent sexual behaviour.


The Chairman congratulated the nation on her extensive preparation towards the successful hosting of the tournament and commended the 15 other qualified nations for clinically going through the mill. Mr Asiamah welcomed the growth of African football adding that "this tournament is an opportunity for the continent to showcase the abundant football talents at its disposal to signal to the world that we can compete healthily and catch the attention of the world." He reminded the Ghanaian team that the more than 20 million Ghanaians were looking up to them to bring home the ultimate, discipline therefore must be their key word on the field of play for them to progress in the tournament.


"The unnecessary attraction of referees' red and yellow cards should be avoided. The clich=E9 of 'Host and Win' must be a done deal for Ghana."


The Chairman commended the Government for providing the infrastructure and support for the tournament as well as the contributions from companies, corporate bodies and individuals towards the realization of the soccer fiesta.

Mr Abuga Pele, Ranking Member for Youth and Sports urged the Black Stars to go for the ultimate by putting up extra efforts in their delivery.


He, however, drew attention of the LOC to find immediate solutions to the to, "the empty chairs at the various stadia as people queue outside", the sudden power cuts and the problems with press accreditation.


Mr Rashid Pelpuo, (NDC- Wa Central) urged the Stars not to underrate any team and play all out to achieve success. He stressed on the unifying effect of the tournament that has ensured Ghanaians did away with partisan considerations to support the gallant boys to victory.


Former Youth and Sports Minister, Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, NDC MP for Ningo Prampram called for solution to be found to access to tickets, adding that the National Sports Council should be strengthened and the ticketing to be subcontracted for efficiency. The entire nation of Ghana went agog to celebrate the win 2-1 win of the Stars over their Guinean counterparts last Sunday.