Accra, July 11, GNA - A national Thanksgiving non-denominational Church Service has been organized for Ghana's Black Stars on Sunday with a call for a concerted effort by all to ensure that the country maintains its total unity and oneness through the exploits of sports.

Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Youth and Sports in a speech read on behalf of President John Attah Mills commended the Black Stars, technical team, coaches, supporters unions as well as Muslims, Christians and other religious groupings for collectively contributing towards the success of the team at the World Cup in South Africa.

She said Government and the Ministry were grateful for the unalloyed show of support and the show of common purpose by all including the South Africa Government and her people as well as Heads of African States for their massive support.

The Service which was organised by the Christian Council of Ghana and Pentecostal Churches and attended by various supporters groups and football fans was to offer prayers to the Almighty God for the success of the Stars and to thank God for recognizing Ghana's team effort and for the favour at the Mundial.

Ms Dansua said it was gratifying that even though the Black Stars went to South Africa as unsung heroes of Ghana they returned not only as the proud quarter-finalists but as champions of the whole of the African continent.

Rt. Rev. Dr Charles Agyin-Asare, Bishop of the Word Miracle Church and Vice President of the Pentecostal Council who was the main preacher said the gallant success of the Stars was parallel to the exploits of David who as an underdog defeated Goliath the giant.

In a sermon, he said that even though many people including soccer analyst never gave the Stars a dog's chance before commencement of the FIFA World Cup, they defied the odds and with determination and discipline the advanced to the quarter-finals stage and but for the 'strange decisions' when it mattered most they could have advanced to the semis or finals.

Dr Agyin-Asare said the Black Stars achieved their success through regular prayers, ready to battle against the odds, dedication and discipline, ready to take chances and opportunities and always prepared to give thanks and glory for their achievements.

"We must all learn our lessons and always give glory to God and to unite to deepen our democracy and to face all odds towards the socio-economic development of Ghana, he added.

Rt. Rev. Justice Offei Akrofi, Anglican Arch Bishop of Accra offered special prayers to the Black Stars, the government and the Nation with the El Dunamis Minstrels presenting choir music and hymns of praises amid cheers form the public after readings of the Scriptures to commemorate the success of the Black Stars.