Ghana's preparations for CAN 2008: So far, so very good, O B Amoah assures, as Stars arrive from Dubai

With four days to the continental soccer fiesta, dubbed Ghana 2008, the euphoric atmosphere has already started gathering momentum. And the newspapers and the airwaves are already "choked” with news items on the historic three-week event that would draw over one million visitors into the country.

Ghana will play host to 15 other competing nations at the four venues - Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Essipon, near Sekondi – where continental soccer artistry would be displayed at the various stadia.

"So far, so very good", was the best description the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Osei Bonsu Amoah, could offer when this reporter solicited his views on the preparations towards the MTN African Cup of Nations that kicks off on Sunday.

He said the Ghana 2008 fever had already caught up with not only the sporting public but also the entire Ghanaian populace, who had been gearing up for the great occasion.

"Everything is on course, as far as organisation and infrastructure aspects are concerned", he noted.

The Deputy Minister, who was at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra to welcome the Black Stars, who returned home from a two-week training schedule in the United Arab Emirates yesterday afternoon, described the team spirit as "overwhelmingly high".

"The players are in high spirits and are determined to fly high the flag of Ghana, come the D-day", he assured, adding "their morale is so high that one can hardly realise the absence of their injured captain Stephen Appiah".

Mr Amoah noted: "The experience of the captain and the pivotal role he plays in the Black Stars team would be felt but everything has been made by the technical men to close the gap. We must make do with whatever material at hand.

"The players are determined to die for the nation and we, as Ghanaians, must also offer them the best support to enable them win the Cup to equal the record of Egypt".

Meanwhile, the Black Stars yesterday received a tumultuous welcome from thousands of Ghanaians on their arrival at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra after their training in the United Arab Emirates.

The players, led by their French coach Claude Le Roy, were mobbed by the enthusiastic fans, who waved miniature Ghana flags, as they sang motivational songs in praise of the team.

The Stars play their first game against Guinea at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The match will be preceded by the official opening ceremony that would be blended with colourful cultural display, being organised by the Local Organising Committee of the Ghana 2008.

Among the distinguished personalities expected at the Sunday's ceremony are President J A Kufuor, FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter and CAF President Issah Hayatou.

By Stanley A Twum-Barima