Accra, Feb 07, GNA - The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of GHANA CAN 2008 has stated that Ghanaian artists will be given free reign to express ideas hat would give local colour to the tournament. Speaking to a group of artists at the LOC Secretariat, Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer said the meeting was to acquaint them with issues that might be of interest to them during the 26th edition of the biennial championships.

Danquah also expressed the need to have Ghanaian creativity registered in the landscaping of both the exterior and interior parts of all the four stadia to be used for the tourney.

The artists led by Paapa Nketsiah were informed about the initial desire of the Organising Committee to have the design of the stadiums to reflect some aspects of Ghanaian tradition, culture and history. This he said was the tagging of the four venues with slogans such as 93Cradle of Ghana's ancient architecture" 96 Tamale, 93City of Cultural Pomp and Pageantry" 96 Kumasi and the 93Gateway to the West Coast" 96 Sekondi-Takoradi.

"Our own publicity drive will contain messages that reflect such slogans with the expectation they will foster positive pride in the residents of the venues to elicit their cooperation.

Mr Danquah said this would dictate the concepts for murals for interior and exterior walls, environmental sculpture that would fit into spaces to be identified during the progress of construction, as well as fine art, notably paintings to be mounted at the VIP Lounges and other key areas of the stadiums.

Paapa Nketsiah, welcomed the opportunity offered them and gave the assurance that the members will take advantage of the opportunity to establish a historic landmark and above all carve a niche that would endure for generations.

Others members of the group were made up of Wiz Kudowor, Kofi Asiedu Ansah, Sami Bentil, Kofi Amos, Edmund Opare, Lydia Ezuo Dike, Gudzi Abeko, Isaac Offei Amoah and Ernest Quaye Arday 07 Feb. 07