Regional News of Tuesday, 20 June 2006

Source: GNA

How Hohoe celebrated Stars' victory

Hohoe, June 20, GNA- Scores of ecstatic whistle blowing, "dzama" singing, horn tooting, bicycle and motor riding fans of the Black Stars poured into the principal streets of Hohoe to jubilate the emphatic and remarkable achievement of the senior national team over their Czech Republic opponents, which they spanked 2-0, at the World Cup tournament in Germany.

The dense crowd, which could be likened to a typical political rally in the area, besieged the streets immediately the Argentine referee brought hostilities between the Stars and the Czechs to a halt. They included people from all walks of life, foreigners of African decent, some clad in the national colours, others half naked and barefooted, who brought the town to a stand still with virtually no work for the Police, who either joined the ecstasy or watched some of the life threatening activities, which could be described as gross indiscipline.

They held the vehicular traffic spellbound, singing "Ghana oseyie" among others and danced to 91borbor' music with some people gulping liquor and other alcohol beverages to herald the victory of the Black Stars.

Conspicuous in the frenzy was Mr Peter John Amewu, Hohoe District Chief Executive who said his motivation as a patriotic citizen and the administrator of the district compelled him to share the joy of the Black Stars with his people.

He said it was a moment to atone for the disappointment he suffered personally from the earlier lose to Italy in the opening group match on June 12.

Mr Amewu said the Assembly had procured a satellite dish with a giant screen for the viewing public at a cost of 15 million cedis. Mr Kudjo Abibu, a jubilant fan told the Ghana News Agency that Black Stars displayed abundant stamina and stole the show with their pace, resilience, imagination and skill to pummel the Czechs, ranked second by FIFA.

He said global trend in soccer showed that "you treat your seemingly insignificant teams with disdain at your own peril" and it was exactly what the Stars stood for in teaching the Czechs a soccer lesson. Mr Patrick Ahumah said for goalie Peter Czech to concede two goals at the hands of the Stars meant that the going got tougher for the Czechs, who had a clean sheet during the qualifying stages.

Mr Ouagrago Mamadou, a Malian said Black Stars had not only lifted the flag of Ghana high but they had also illuminated the continent and prayed for continuous success of the team.

The fans praised the entire playing body, Coach Ratomir Djukovic for their dedication and the spirit to die a little more for the nation, which had translated into this feat.

They are optimistic the last group match against the United States on Thursday June 22 would be a win-win affair.

Meanwhile, despite the uncontrollable celebration no casualties were recorded according to the District Hospital and Police sources.