Free Booze in Tamale

Some drinking spots in the Tamale metropolis opened their bars to members of the general public to drink free of charge as part of the celebrations of the Black Satellites' victory in the just-ended FIFA under-20 World Cup last Friday.

One bar owner, Akosua Mensah, told the Ghanaian Times that she decided to offer free drinks in appreciation of the great performance by the Satellites in conquering the world.

She said Friday's victory with 10 players, over mighty Brazil enhanced the unity of Ghanaians.

A half-stripped reveller, Alhassan Musah, suggested that the victory of the Satellites should be celebrated for three continuous days.

Thousands of residents, including women, men and children poured into the streets to celebrate the victory, dancing to the tune of traditional Shum and Simpa music in a carnival atmosphere.

Matthew Ayoo writes that thousands of football fans, mostly the youth poured into the streets to celebrate the victory singing praises to the players and dancing to brass band music.

‘Satellites have made Ghana proud’. ‘Satellites are the winner’ ‘Ghana is world champion’, were some of the statements on the lips of most of them.

The fans brought traffic on the principal streets to a halt as motor cyclists displayed intricate riding skills and drivers tooted their horns in the late-night celebration.

Many more fans went on a drinking spree Popular Drinking spots like K.G., Prisons Canteen, Quainoo Spot and First and Last Drinking Bar, were filled to capacity.

Some of the people expressed the hope that Satellites victory would inspire the senior national team, the Black Stars, to win the world cup in South Africa come next year.

Ibrahim Alhaji Mohammed, reports from Bolgatanga that the entire town went agog with excitement as soon as the breathtaking penalty kick by Ghana's Black Satellites entered Brazil’s net.

The principal streets were taken over by jubilant soccer fans, some of whom rode motorcycles and bicycles and drivers tooting.

Mr Bata Ali Yussif, a teacher, told the Times that although he was not a football fan the honour that the Satellite have brought to the nation by beating Brazil to lift the trophy compelled him to join in the celebration.

He urged the senior national team, the Black Stars, to emulate their younger brothers by working hard to conquer the world at the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa.

Mr. Seth Adongo, a carpenter, said as a football enthusiast, he was very proud of the Satellites and urged the Ghana Football Association to keep the Satellites team together and groom them into the Black Stars team in future.

Mr. Samuel Ayine, a taxi driver, congratulated the Satellites and the technical bench on their achievement and urged them not to be complacent but work hard to win got their bikes damaged.

This notwithstanding, the jubilation continued deep into the night.