Thanksgiving Service for CAN 2008 Held

Accra, Feb. 16, GNA- Mrs. Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, Member of the Council of State on Saturday led thousands of women in a non-denominational prayer and thanksgiving service at the forecourts of the State House.

The service, mainly attended by members of the Women Aglow Ministry from all over the ten regions of Ghana was in appreciation to God for a successful Ghana 2008 Tournament. Mrs. Affenyi-Dadzie, who is also the National Prayer Director of the Aglow Ministry, led the women to pray for all governmental institutions, the media landscape and peace in the country, especially during and after the Dwcember presidential and parliamentary elections. She entreated women to advise their wards to comport themselves when the visited the stadia to watch football matches, adding, "Ghanaians lack the culture of maintenance".

Mrs. Affenyi-Dadzie, called on the mothers not to spend their money on cloths but to strive harder to provide the necessary educational materials for their children to enable them go to school since they were the future of this nation.

Mrs. Gloria Akuffo, Minister for Aviation in her address encouraged Ghanaian to rejoice because it was all the plans of God for the national Team to place third in the just ended tournament. She, especially commended the Black Stars in the encounter with the Super Eagles of Nigeria where the team won with 10 men against 11. Mrs. Freda Prempeh, President of Ghana Women Supporter Union also called on the women to pray and rally their support for the Women Soccer Team, the Black Medians as they play with their Zambian counterpart on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

Mr. Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of the Local Organizing Committee of CAN 2008 noted that after the idea of CAN 2008 was conceived about five years ago, people thought the programme would flop but with determination and hard work, it had been successful. He said CAN 2008 was the only tournament which Ministers all over the world wished to watch the closing ceremony. Mrs Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State, Ministry of Education Science and Sport said when government of Ghana bid for the Tournament to be hosted in Ghana, many people thought it was impossible and criticized the idea.

"The truth of the matter is that constructive criticisms by people put the government on it toes to work hard which has made the tournament successful. Never in the history of nation have I see Ghanaians united as one people for three week," she said. Mothers of some Black Stars players were presented with parcels to show their gratitude for nuturing such patriotic heroes. Among those present at the thanksgiving service were some officials of Ghana Football Association, Ministers of State, and renowned musicians. 16 Feb. 08