Atta-Mills congratulates Stars

Accra, Sept 6, GNA - The former Vice President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills has congratulated the national team, the Black Stars for their virtual qualification for the 2006 World Cup slated for Germany after their 2-0 win over the Ugandan Cranes last Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

A Press release issued and signed by Nii Lantei Vanderpuye, Press Secretary to Prof. Mills, the 2004 Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said the former Vice President recognises the enormous sacrifices, discipline, and tenacity of purpose that enabled the team to achieve the feat.

"You have throughout the qualification shown a lot of commitment and dedication and as patriots you have exhibited high sense of that 'dying spirit' for the nation and you are a shinning example for the youth" the statement said.

The statement said the success of the Stars is a clear indication that a united people with a common vision and commitment to achieve succeed can overcome any obstacles ahead of them.

It added that it is significant to note that the present crop of players of the Stars were groomed from the Black Starlets of 1997 and the 2000 and 2001 teams of the Satellites and that underlines the principle of planning and development.

It said important lessons are therefore to be learnt from this development since there is the need for the nation to build on the success of its past efforts while learning and improving on its previous shortcomings.

The statement urged the team and its technical handlers not to rest on their oars but to galvanise themselves for the final match against Cape Verde and the bigger challenge at the world stage.

"You have made us proud and yourselves heroes". The statement added.

Prof. Mills on behalf of the NDC enjoined all Ghanaians to say 'Ayekoo' to the Black Stars, their technical handlers, the GFA, the Ministry of Education and Sports and all sports loving individuals and corporate institutions that contributed physically, materially, morally and in diverse ways to reach this stage of qualification.