Kufuor: exhibit goodwill towards visitors

Tamale, Jan. 19, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged Ghanaians to exhibit goodwill towards the visitors and teams of the contesting countries of the Ghana 2008 tournament, which kicks off on Sunday. "Let's us exhibit goodwill and extend our Ghanaian hospitality that we are noted for towards participating teams, their supporters and other visitors during the CAN 2008", he said.

President Kufuor was addressing a large crowd at the newly constructed Tamale Sports Stadium on Friday when he cut the tape to officially commission it for the CAN 2008.

President Kufuor described as an "irony of fate" that Tamale was now getting a befitting Stadium after producing the country's greatest footballers, who gained laurels not only for Ghana but also for the continent.

He noted that a greater number of Ghanaian footballers who won Africa players of the year were of Northern extraction and expressed the hope that modern edifice would provide an avenue for more football talents to emerge from the area.

President Kufuor called for effective collaboration particularly between senior citizens from regions that had the new stadiums to ensure that they cultivated the culture of maintenance to preserve the monuments.

Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Northern Regional Minister said, "Posterity would judge us rightly if we refuse to maintain and preserve the facility" and that the Northern Regional Coordinating Council would collaborate effectively with stakeholders to ensure that the tournament was successful.

He expressed gratitude to chiefs and traditional leaders in the region for releasing the land for the construction of the stadium as well as lending their support for its successful completion.

Mr. Mark Chan, Manager of Shanghai Construction Company, contractors of the stadium observed that the early and successful completion of the projects had further strengthened the bond of friendship between China and Ghana.

He said China was proud to have assisted Ghana to host the CAN 2008 and expressed the hope that the future was bright for further cooperation between the two countries.

President Kufuor later took the kick-off for a friendly match between Real Tamale United (RTU) and Bolgatanga Catholic Stars, which ended 1-1 drawn game.