Parliamentary Team win 11th Anniversary Soccer Trophy

Accra, Jan. 17, GNA - A combined team of Members of Parliament and the Executive, played a determined game to lift the 11th Anniversary of the Fourth Republic Soccer Gala trophy with a three-one win against veterans, Media X1 at the El -Wak Sports Stadium on Saturday. The victorious side, featuring Alhaji Rashid Bawa, MP Akan and Minister of State of Education, Youth and Sports, Mr Abuga Pele, MP for Chiana/Paga and Mr Ernest Nii Armah, MP for Ga South, received the glamorous cup from the Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who took the kick-off for the start of the game.

Media XI ironically ignited the tempo of the game with an early scare when they scored the opener in less than 20 seconds from one of their fitful players, P. Ntow. But the with the support of former renowned international player, Opon Weah on the side of the combined team, the inky boys were soon pressurized to open their post for the world class player to fetch the equalizer for his side in the fourth minute. And as if playing with the strength of 200, the Parliamentarians added two more goals to their tally in the second half through a penalty kick expertly converted by their able-footed Abuga Pele with Rashid Bawa, their strong motivator sealing the doom of the inky men with a beautiful goal to kill the venom in the media men.

The Christian Council Team took the third position and also received a trophy from the Vice President. Tug of War, Bread Munching, Sack race and other fun games heralded the football game. In the Tug of War contest, the myth surrounding the Ghana National Fire Service as the traditional winners appeared to have been broken when they were out-pulled by the Ghana Armed Forces in the Men Division while the Women's team of the Ghana Police Service came tops in the division.

The Fire Service teams, however, placed second in both divisions. The Makola Market Women's Association also defeated their Kaneshie counterparts in a similar contest. Isaac Osei of Kaneshie Market however gave the sweet mummies some consolation when he came first in the Bread Munching Competition. "He eats bread as if he is drinking water, " an admirer said of him. Zianatu Issah of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly was the overall winner of the sack race.

Other participants in the Games, were from the GPRTU, the Customs Excise and Preventive Service, Ghana Immigration Service and the Muslim Council, who all received prizes for their participation. The Games forms part of the activities marking the 11th Anniversary of the Fourth Republic, which is under the theme: "Good Governance through Democracy." A Gospel Rock Show to be held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday will climax the celebration.