Former Black Stars captain supports Malaria and World Cup campaigns

Accra, Jan. 20, GNA - Charles K. Akunnor, former captain of the national soccer team, Black Stars has called on Ghanaian mothers to develop comprehensive malaria preventive measures to save their children from dying from effects of the disease.

He said measures such as the use of treated mosquito nets, environmental cleanliness and regular visits to the hospital by especially nursing mothers would go a long way towards protecting their babies from malaria and its related complications.

Akunnor made the call when 'Kick Malaria Out of Africa', a Non-Governmental Organization championing the cause of Malaria Eradication through Sports (MES) called on him in Accra on Tuesday. He called on the youth to take active interest in clean-up exercises in their communities to ensure clean environment. On the chances of the qualification of the Black Stars for the 2010 World Cup, Akunnor, who said he quit active soccer two years ago and plans to take a coaching course in Germany, urged the Stars not to relent in their oars but strive hard and that with little determination they can qualify and win the ultimate.

"We qualified for the 2006 event and so why can't we qualify for the 2010, he asked, adding that since the event would be staged in Africa, an African team has better chances of winning the event and it's probably Ghana.

Akunnor called on Ghanaians to offer the Stars the necessary support and expressed the hope that with little prayers Black Stars can go places.

Alhaji Sly Tetteh, President of Liberty Professionals FC also expressed similar sentiments on prevention of the disease and expressed the hope that Ghana would qualify from the Black Stars Group of 'West African giants'.

Mr Kwabena Osei Bonsu, Chief Executive Officer of 'Kick Malaria Out of Africa' who led the delegation, appealed for more support to enable them realize their dreams and aspirations of making Ghana a malaria-free country.