LOC mourns disaster victims

Accra, June 21, GNA - The Local Organising Committee LOC of the Ghana 2008 Soccer Tournament has expressed its profound grief at the untimely death of the Minister of Sports of Togo, Richard Attipoe in a helicopter crash after watching a qualifier between his country and Sierra Leone.

In a letter of condolence copied to the Togolese authorities and signed by Dr Kofi Amoah, Chairman of the LOC addressed through the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, it described the mishap as disheartening and very difficult to bear." It said the untimely death has come at a critical period when the continent was making great strides to attain recognition in international football.

The letter said, "the LOC has no doubt that the late Attipoe and other departed souls would have contributed more to the rising performance of Togo's football".

"It is our prayer that the entire nation and all sports loving people in Togo will be able to place the loss behind them and find a place among the last 16 in Ghana for the 26 MTN Africa Cup of Nations". The letter also wished the friends, relations and family members of all the departed dear to find comfort in the Almighty God.