Ghana: World cup stars receive a hero’s welcome

(July 6th) The country today welcomed back its World Cup stars in force with thousands of dancing and singing fans awaiting their heroes (aka the Black Stars) at Accra airport. The team will parade through the city and will attend a free music concert later on in the day.

“You’ve really held high the flag of Ghana and the entire African continent,” Deputy Sports Minister Nii Nortey Duah told the players. And indeed they should be proud – they were the only African team to progress beyond the group stage and only narrowly went out to Uruguay in the quater-final. As we say here at NAA, it’s not the winning that counts; it’s the taking part and doing a continent (whose first time it is hosting the world cup) proud.

Furthermore, the Black Stars were fortunate enough to have a brief audience with former South African president and human rights defender Nelson Mandela. “They represented the continent well and although they did not qualify for the semi-finals they can return home with their heads held high,” said Mr Mandela’s office after the meeting.

Kevin Prince Boateng said: ‘It’s a dream come true… We feel more happy and feel good that we have met this man. He is a legend’.