Hearts, Kotoko to play in Italy

GHANA’S 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

Ghana’s two most glamorous football teams in the country, Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, will play in the Italian northern city, Vicenza, as part of activities to mark Ghana’s 50 years of Independence.

This was disclosed by Gilbert Abasimi, General Secretary of Council of Ghana Nationals Associations in Italy (COGNAI) during a meeting of the Council in Verona as Ghanaians resident in Italy prepare to celebrate their country’s Golden Jubilee next year.

The Council which represents 17 Ghanaian Associations in Italy approved the bid of the city Vicenza among three other contestants - Brescia, Modena and Udine - to host activities for the celebration. Incidentally, Vicenza is the administrative headquarters of COGNAI and winning the bid further goes to boost the image of Ghanaians in one of Italy’s most illustrious industrial cities.

Speaking on the programme of activities planned for the celebration between December 2006 and March 2007, the General Secretary said Saturday, December 23 would be the launching ceremony of the anniversary with a special dinner at Arzignano (a province of Vicenza) and it will be an occasion to appeal for funds for the events. Ghana’s National soccer stars, midfield ace, Sulley Muntari and skriker, Asamoah Gyan both who ply their trade in Italian soccer circles are expected to make an appearance to grace the occasion. Saturday January 6 2007 has been marked as a Youth Day (Talents Day) under which there will be dancing, singing and quiz competitions with side attraction of Adowa/Kete Youth dancers. Ablade and his group will put up a live show on Mfantuomfroum drum beat.

According to Abasimi, January 27, 2007 will show case excerpts of video clips on Ghana’s Political History, Educational History, Civil Developments among others whilst February 10, 2007 has been earmarked as African Gospel Night, a light competitive event among the various choir groups of Christian Churches in the province of Vicenza. Registration of all competitors of this event are expected to be turned in before January 31, 2007.

The Council approved of a registration fee of €20 for all competitors in the various competitions. The Council’s Secretary explained that competitors are likely to benefit from the programmes because it would be given a video coverage and later marketed, an opportunity for those who excel to jump onto greater heights in their area of performance.

Some other activities for the celebration planned between February 17 and February 24, 2007 includes a football gala involving teams from the various Associations, Italian non-league clubs and Organisation teams. There will also be COGNAI Women’s Day or ‘Know Your Husband’, Obasima (Ladies Night) and Mmaa Komo – a symposium and open Forum on Women Affairs. The occasions will also include exhibition shows of Ghana’s arts and crafts.

Giving briefs of the Hearts, Kotoko match scheduled for March 3, 2007 at Vicenza Sports Stadium, the General Secretary informed the Council members representatives of the sponsors of the match, Atlas Sports Management based in Ghana, were in Vicenza recently for initial talks about bringing the two teams to play in Italy. He said officials of the Italian FA and the local football authorities have been contacted and there is no problem of Vicenza hosting the match. Abasimi further mentioned a Ghanaian Youth Team will play an Italian Youth side as a curtain-raiser to the Hearts and Kotoko confrontation and says he is convinced that would draw more Italian fans to the stadium.

Some Council members cautioned Hearts and Kotoko not to bring a second string side but parade their full squad with all their famous players for the match. The President of the Council, Omari Somuah, stated officials of the two clubs, representatives of Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the main sponsors, Atlas, would be back in Italy to conclude arrangements and signing contracts and assured the Council the inclusion of a full squad of both teams would be put on the table. The General Secretary of the Council, Abasimi, admitted the presence of a full squad of both teams in Italy will attract a good crowd to watch the match considering the fact that both clubs have a large following among Ghanaians resident in Italy.

The final day of the celebration has been scheduled for Saturday March 10, 2007, four days after Ghana’s actual Independence Day. Activities would include traditional games competition – Ludo, Dame, Playing Cards – Awards, Speeches, Durbar, Folklore, Music and Dancing and a LIVE Band would perform with consideration being given to bringing a Band or a famous musical artiste from Ghana according to the General Secretary.

Ghana’s new Ambassador to Italy, His Excellency Charles Agyei-Amoama, is likely to be present on the final day of celebration and OBE TV would again provide coverage of the events.