Accra, Jan 18, GNA - Professor John Evans Atta Mills, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate on Thursday asked the Black Stars to live by Ghana 2008 tournament's theme and go for the African Cup.

In a message wishing the Stars good-luck and calling on Ghanaians to give them maximum support, Prof Mills said "Just as the theme song has it, all I am saying, is, Go Black Stars Go.

"To the rest of Ghanaians, I say let us support the Black Stars with our, body, soul and spirit."

Prof Mills said when "the 26th edition of the Cup of Nations kicks off in about 72 hours, my head and heart are with the Black Stars. "And when I say the Black Stars, I mean the Management, Technical Handlers and the Playing Body." Prof Mills said, "Football is all about goals and so my fervent prayer is for the Stars to move away from creating and missing chances, to the point where they create and score. Certainly, they cannot get a goal out of every chance created but they must learn to take their chances.

"Just as I am passionate about it, when I watch the national teams, Hearts of Oak, and Manchester United, I know that fellow Ghanaians are also passionate about the game of football and will be stretching every sinew in support of the Stars." He said John Mensah and his colleagues were going to be on the field hearing millions of Ghanaian voices in their ears and they ought to know that would be happening out of no other prompting than love for ones nation.

Prof Mills said, "Nobody can feel the heat more than the players and I am sure they are very much aware of the daunting task ahead and will do all it takes not to disappoint Ghanaians. "As one-time Chairman of the Black Stars Management Team during some of the trying moments of this nation, I know what the likes of Kwesi Nyantekyi are going through especially as we are hosting the tournament."

Prof Mills feeling nostalgic said, "Talking about my days as Chairman of the Black Stars Management Team, I cannot forget about the sacrifices that the likes of Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah and Edward Ansah made for mother Ghana.

"Of course, I cannot forget about the contribution of the late Alhaji Maikano, in being a rallying point for the players." He added. Prof Mills appealed to the media to act as professionals and discharge their duties devoid of sectarian interests and unnecessary emotions.

He said, "The Ghanaian in them will be rooting for the Black Stars but that should not take away from the fact that they are professionals whose professional competence must not be sacrificed no matter how enticing the temptation is."

Prof Mills said complaints about accreditation and hitches about the the availability of tickets would be solved with the trust that "before Sunday, Dr. Kofi Amoah, Mr. Magnus Rex Danquah and the LOC will hem in all the loose ends for us to begin the tournament on a united and acceptable note."

He said, "The sky must be the limit and I wish the Black Stars all the best." 17 Jan. 08