Accra, May 26, GNA - The forthcoming Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF) Hockey Africa Cup for Nations, was officially launched on Tuesday, by Vice President John Mahama at a colourful ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre.

The ceremony, which was attended by the "cr=E8me de la cr=E8me" with respect to the organization of the July 10 to 18 tourney, was also graced by AfHF President, Seif Dini Ahmed. The climax of the night was the symbolic launching, which was spiced with a spectacular cultural performance and choreography, by Ghana's ace dancer Slim Buster.

Vice President Mahama in his address pledged government's support towards a successful hosting of the event that would see male and female teams of 10 African countries battling for honours.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, which he said clearly outlines Ghana's readiness to host other African countries and commended the

Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their untiring efforts towards a successful event. Nii Nortey Duah, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, said the Ministry had since the commencement of preparations towards the event, established perfect working relationship with the LOC for the successful organisation of the competition. He said that the end of the competition would not mark the end of the discipline in the country but it would rather create a platform for further development of the game in Ghana.

Nii Duah said plans were in place to reintroduce the game in schools and colleges to ensure its' sustenance. Mr. Abuga Pele, Chairman of LOC, said the committee was poised to deliver a successful tournament and appealed to corporate bodies to support the committee to attain its target.

He said plans were advanced to lure United States President, Barack Obama, who incidentally arrives in Ghana for an official visit on July 10 to the opening

ceremony to add more colour to the event. Mr. Pele said that the committee would organise a media seminar for local

and international journalists to enhance their knowledge on the game. AfHF President Ahmed, who handed over the tournament flag to the LOC,

expressed delight at the level of preparations for the tourney. "We (AfHF) foresee an excellent organization during the tournament," said

the Egyptian. This is the first time Ghana would be hosting the event since its inception in

1974. Ghana incidentally won the maiden edition.