......Ghana 2008 Fails-Tamale MCE

Mr Mohgammed Amin Adam Anta, the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, has expressed concern about lackadaisical manner the Local organizing committee of the Ghana CVAN 2008 was handling the ticketing and accreditation process. He said this would not speak well of the country and could mar the beauty of the game. He categorically stated that government has done its part by ensuring all necessary facilities are in place for the tournament and would not forgive the LOC if it let its actions mar the success of the tournament. The MCE was contributing to a discussion on radio programme on a local radio station in Tamale on the assembly?s preparations towards the tournament.

Mr Anta stated that the assembly has done its possible best to provide the necessary infrastructure and other facilities befitting a host metropolis and would not look unconcerned for the organizing committee not to compliment its effort by playing their part accordingly.

The MCE?s concern stemmed from allegations of shortage of ticket and ticket racketeering in the metropolis and complaints by local journalists of not been accredited. Mr Anta was optimistic about the success of the tournament but said it would take concerted effort of all stakeholders to make it a memorable festival.

Northernghana.com?s enquiries from the Tamale Venue Organising Committee showed that the venue is taking measures to ensure that the local journalists and other media practitioners in Tamale and surrounding areas are accredited. Meanwhile all four teams based in Tamale namely South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia and Angola have arrived safely and have prepared for their matches. The first match is scheduled for Wednesday, January 23 between Senegal and Tunisia. Tamale is therefore ready for the total success of the event as the residents are welcoming visitors from all across the continent and the world while anxiously waiting for the commencement of the first match at the Tamale stadium which was inaugurated by president Kufuor on January 18, 2008.

Also, Tamale, Bolga and Wa were thrown in a state of elation when the Ghana Black Stars won their opening match against the Guinean counterparts by 2-1. Cars were seen honking their horns, bicycle and motor riders doing their own thing while other residents sung jubilating songs along the principal streets of the regional capitals. Most residents who spoke with northernghana.com commended the playing body and the technical team but lamented over the player's scoring prowess and urged the coach to work on them while cautioning them not to be complacent but go and win the cup for the nation.