CAF Okays Ghana’s Preparedness

THE CONFEDERATION of African Football (CAF) has, after its ninth inspection tour of Ghana's sports facilities, okayed the country's preparedness to host the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations, dubbed Ghana CAN 2008, early next year.

The President of CAF, Mr Issa Hayatou, made this known at the Castle, Osu, yesterday, when he led a delegation of CAF officials and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to call on President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Hayatou told the President about the “wonderful state of Ghana's sports infrastructure” for the tournament.

It was refreshing, he said, that Ghana had put in place such wonderful facilities “for the whole African continent”.

He hoped the tournament would be as successful as the nation's preparation had been.

President Kufuor, on his part, commended CAF for reposing so much confidence and trust in Ghana by giving it the singular privilege of hosting the tournament.

He said the fact that CAF's 50th anniversary celebration coincided with Ghana's meant the two had been developing together.

According to the President, football in Africa had proved to the rest of the world the capability of the continent to handle its own affairs.

“Through football, citizens of Africa have been empowered to meet several challenges”.

The President was happy that Africa had already started showing its vibrant spirit and preparedness of hosting the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

President Kufuor commended all Ghanaians for their desire and preparedness to host the African Cup of Nations Tournament.
Mr Hayatou presented a miniature trophy and a pennant to the President.

Chairman of the LOC, Dr Kofi Amoah thanked President Kufuor for the support he had so far given to his outfit concerning the organization of next year's tournament.

In all, 16 countries will be playing at four different venues in Ghana. The venues are Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale.

By Sylvanus Nana Kumi