Liverpool legend and ex-Englan international John Barnes arrived in Ghana on Thursday evening to be special guest, along with Ghana Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, at the 2006 National Sports Journalists Awards in Accra on Saturday.

In Ghana at the invitation of Media Trust who are the organisers of the annual sports journalists awards, Barnes was received at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra by officials of Media Trust and a few Liverpool fans from the Ghana Branch of the Official Liverpool Supporters Club.

At a press interaction later, Barnes said he was excited to be in Ghana to be part of the show.

"It's interesting to come to Ghana, and I'm very pleased to be here," he said.

"I am looking forward to the awards. Thanks for inviting me."

Fiifi Banson, head of Media Trust, lauded Barnes for accepting to come to Ghana for the awards.

He said: "Barnes has achieved a lot as a footballer. He is big name in football annals.

"But due to his very humble nature he accepted our invitation to come here despite all his successes as a player. We are grateful to him."

The executive director of Media Trust Patrice Amegashie said earlier in an interview that the former Liverpool and England star is a perfect guest for the occasion.

"Barnes is a football icon and having him will greatly boost the awards, as we wanted someone with a huge presence like him.

"We are particularly delighted to have him as he is the first high-profile foreigner to grace the awards."