Accra, June 24, GNA - Government has announced that in keeping with its original schedule, supporters of the Black Stars, who were sent to South Africa would begin returning home as from Thursday. A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Information said government expected about 430 fans on Thursday night while the final batch would arrive in Ghana by Saturday June 26, 2010.

It said government budgeted for 15 days and though the Black Stars had qualified for the next round it was imperative for the supporters to be brought back home since government wanted to keep within its budget and maintain prudence.

The statement said the budget included; visa fees, hotel accommodation, feeding, medical support, transportation and match tickets therefore; any further addition to the budgeted number of days meant incurring extra cost.

Government reiterated its pledge to be accountable to the people of Ghana and assured that once the fans returned and the final computations were made, the cost of the entire exercise would be made public. It noted that government did not wholly look to the tax payer's money to fund this exercise but that other innovative measures such as a 'text and win campaign' and corporate sponsorship were implored. However, government congratulated the Black Stars for their qualification to the next round and commended all Ghanaians for their overwhelming support for the team so far.

"We wish to also extend our sincere gratitude to the people of Africa especially South Africans for their support and solidarity and assure them that it is a gesture highly appreciated by the people and Government of Ghana," it added. 24 June 10