AFRICA’S grandest football event, the Cup of Nations, took its final step towards Ghana 2008 with yesterday’s draw in Accra that placed the 16 finalists in their respective groups for the opening phase of the tournament.
By that event, which was graced by the President of Ghana, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, and CAF President Isa Hayatou, the green light has now been given for each of the 16 teams to head for Accra for the January 10 to February 9, 2007 event. And they do so fully aware now of the nature of opposition awaiting them at the group stage of the competition.
Yesterday’s ceremony also puts the spotlight on Ghana to apply the final push at the numerous phases of preparation spread over several years to enable the country to host the thousands of footballers, officials, journalists and tourists expected for the tournament.
It is significant to note that days before yesterday’s draw, CAF officials had undertaken their final inspection of tournament facilities and given the effort a clean bill of health, albeit with some concern over the state of training pitches. It is our hope that the appropriate officers within the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the contractors involved will take note and provide the necessary touches within the remaining time.
Beyond the LOC, however, there is the wider role expected of Ghanaians from all walks of life, from operators of big and small businesses in commerce and transport to hotels and tourism, to show the best face of Ghana to the outside world. Taxi drivers and front desk employees of hotels who will be in regular contact with the guests should exhibit the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality instead of the frustrations that patrons of their services encounter now.
In the name of football and for the one month duration, the attention of the world will be turned on Ghana. And as is usually the case, the focus will not only be on the anticipated pitch battles but also on other aspects of Ghanaian life, including social, cultural, environmental and security.
In all these, one area that ought to engage the concern of all Ghanaians is the state of sanitation in the urban areas, four of which are to host the group stages of the competition. Thousands of fans are expected to follow some of the big teams to Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale and it is the responsibility of the authorities and residents to ensure cleanliness at all times.
Crime, whether petty or violent, is another vice that must be kept at the barest minimum and this calls for optimum alertness on the part of the various security agencies to forestall any upsurge as a result of the anticipated boom in trade and commerce.
After all is said and done, it is important for all Ghanaians to view the Ghana 2008 as an opportunity not only for economic boom in the country but also for Ghana to project its core values to the international community. And we dare not fail.
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