Regional News of Friday, 23 June 2006

Source: GNA

Black Stars Jubilation Accra

In Accra Ghanaians, irrespective of their social, economic or political backgrounds poured into the streets to celebrate the Black Stars victory over the United States of America (USA), which ensured their advancement into the 1/16 stage of the competition. The fans were all over the streets drumming and dancing while drivers honked as they drove slowly along all the major streets in the central part of the Metropolis.

Almost every single fan was clad in the red, gold, black and green colours of the national flag to indicate their support for the Stars. Most of the fans interviewed by the GNA Sports had a single message for subsequent opponents of the Black Stars "Obiaa nye, Obiaaa" meaning =93Ghana is not afraid of any of the teams=94. Though defending Champions Brazil were yet to play their final group match to confirm their leadership of their group, many believed they would be the Stars next opponents, hence "Obiaa nye Obiaa" chorus. The fans vowed to take the celebrations deep into the night while some even called on the authorities to declare, Friday, June 23, a public holiday. The situation was not different at the various offices at the Ministries as well as other offices, giving an indication that the day's work had been brought to a halt due to the historic feat chalked by the Stars.

At the Ministry of Trade, Industry and PSI; Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and Ministry of The Interior it was all joy as workers could be heard singing in celebration of the victory. Workers of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) were not left out as Reporters in the Newsroom led by Yaa Ofori Acquah-Peasah, Deputy News Editor, supported by other female journalists banged the tables, screamed, sang and danced to celebrate the victory. In fact the celebration cut across all boundaries as both Senior and Junior Journalists joined to celebrate with one voice. It was all joy, as workers left their offices in jubilant mood to join their buses for home. Those who were not ready to go home filled almost all the drinking bars around the Ministries to celebrate the victory.