Black Stars expected home tonight

Accra, July 5, GNA - The Black Stars of Ghana are expected home Monday night from South Africa, where they flew the flag of Ghana and represented Africa's interest in the on-going World Cup 2010. The team's world cup dream ended last Friday when they lost 4-2 on penalty to Uruguay at the quarter final stage.

A statement signed by the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Nii Nortey Dua and emailed to the Ghana News Agency on Sunday said an impressive arrival ceremony has been planned for the team and officials beginning from the Kotoka International Airport.

"An official government delegation will welcome the gallant Stars back home on behalf of the people of Ghana, and as always the Ministry expects soccer fans to throng the airport and join in welcoming the team," it said. The statement announced that supporters, who want to join the welcoming party, must converged at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium before 1800 hours to be conveyed in buses to the Airport. "Interested journalists, who want to cover the arrival ceremony will also be transported from the Media Centre at the Stadium to the Airport", the statement said adding that no journalist would be allowed access to the airside of the Airport unless he/she was on board the media bus from the stadium.

According to the Deputy Minister, the Black Stars team would embark on a special float through some principal streets of Accra on Tuesday, which would end at the Castle Gardens. The team, he said, would also be special guests of a special Black Stars celebration concert at the Independence Square later that Tuesday. Other activities outlined for the team include a meeting with the leadership of parliament on Friday. A special Muslim prayers would also be held on Friday and a non-denominational thanksgiving Church service on Sunday. The statement encouraged all Ghanaians to continue in the spirit of wearing their red, gold and green attire and come out to welcome the Stars. 5 July 10