Accra, Oct. 31, GNA - The Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama has urged Ghanaians to bury their political differences and rally solidly behind the senior national soccer team, the Black Stars to make an impact and to enable them lift high the nation's flag at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany next year.

He also called on corporate bodies and institutions to help the government in her effort to develop sports in the country since the government alone cannot shoulder such a responsibility. Alhaji Mahama made the call at the opening of this year's Security Services Sports Association (SESSA) Games at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Monday.

The Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Customs, Excise and Preventive Service and the Ghana Police Service are taking part in a week-long games of Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey and Tug-of-War among others.

The Games are aimed at building and strengthening the already existing cordial relationship among the security services and also to unearth talents.

Alhaji Aliu said the revival and sustenance of the games over the past three years attest to the government's commitment of developing sports.

He said with the requirements for the security services to be combat ready at all times, the Games are an ideal ground to create the needed opportunity to test the physical fitness of the personnel. Alhaji Mahama urged the participants to exhibit a spirit of sportsmanship throughout the games.

The Chairman of the Security Services Sports Council, Mr J.G.G. Kartey said the Games have over the years played a pivotal role in the creation and nurturing of talents to promote the national sports agenda since its inception in 1986.

He gave the assurance that all the structures have been put in place to ensure a successful and competitive atmosphere and called on all the participants to comport themselves during and after the Games. Mr Kartey thanked SG-SSB Bank and Areeba for jointly sponsoring the competition.

Ghana Immigration Service drew 1-1 with Ghana Prison Service in the Men's Soccer match played at the El-Wak Stadium on Monday.