Ministry to tap Ghana 2008 LOC's expertise

Accra, Aug. 27, GNA - The Ministry of Education, Science and Sports has said that it will tap the expertise of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations for future tourneys.

Ghana is scheduled to host the next edition of the African Hockey Championship in September 2009, and Ms. Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education believes the experience of the LOC will be instrumental towards the successful organization of the tournament.

Ms. Ohene who said this when the Ghana 2008 LOC presented the financial and technical reports of the tournament to the Ministry on Wednesday described the gesture as historic in the history of Ghana sports.

"The presentation of the reports officially signs off on the tournament." She emphasized the need for transparency regarding details of the report, which she said will be made public after careful study by the Ministry.

"Ghanaians must know how their money's was spent during the competition with respect to infrastructure and organization." Ms. Ohene recalled the joy and happiness with which the three-week fiesta brought to Ghanaians adding that it "can be measured through the value of what we did, established and built upon." Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana 2008 LOC explained that the reports consist of details of the activities and expenses incurred towards the organization of the tournament. Two other reports on the Economic Impact Assessment from the Bank of Ghana and Cost Benefit Analysis from the renowned Audit, Tax and Advisory outfit, KPMG were also presented.

Egypt emerged winners of the competition for a record sixth time that spanned January 20 to February 10. Ghana's Black Stars settled for bronze with Cameroon taking the second position.