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Black Stars supporters arrive home today

By Isaac Essel 24/06/2010 22:22:00

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Ghanaian fans who were sent to South Africa by the government to cheer the Black Stars at the group stage of the on-going World Cup Tournament in that country are expected to return home Thursday evening.

According to a statement signed by the Deputy Minister of Information Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, “Government expects some 430 fans tonight [Thursday] whilst the final batch will arrive in Ghana by Saturday the 26th of June 2010.”

The Black Stars of Ghana qualified to the next stage of the competition despite losing to Germany on Wednesday. They will play USA on 26th June 2010.

“Government indicated that it had budgeted for 15 days and though the Black Stars have qualified for the next round it was imperative for the supporters to be brought back home since government wants to keep within its budget and maintain prudence,” it stated.

It said government would have to “incur extra cost”, if the supporters are allowed to overstay for a few more days.

The fans budget included; visa fees, hotel accommodation, feeding, medical support, transportation and match tickets.

Many have raised questions about the essence of government sending over 1000 soccer fans to cheer the Black Stars and demanded the total amount spent on them was made public.

In response, the statement pledged that the government would be “accountable to the people of Ghana and assured that once the fans return and the final computations are made, the cost of the entire exercise will be made public”.

It also pointed out that the government took some innovative measures such as a ‘text and win campaign’ and corporate sponsorship to support the initiative, stressing the government “did not wholly look to the tax payer’s money to fund this exercise”.

“Government congratulates the Black Stars for their qualification to the next round and commends all Ghanaians for their overwhelming support for the team so far.

"We wish to also extend our sincere gratitude to the people of Africa especially South Africans for their support and solidarity and assure them that it is a gesture highly appreciated by the people and Government of Ghana.”