HRH Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, Ga Noryaa Mantse, (Development Chief of the Ga Traditional Area ) and former President of the Ghana Olympic Committee has commended the Black Stars for qualifying to the FIFA World Cup to be hosted next year by USA, Mexico and Canada.

Known in private life as Ben Nunoo Mensah, the former President of Ghana Weightlifting Federation and Management Committee of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club said the Black Stars deserve to be at every World Cup tournament because Ghana is blessed with quality football talent.

He praised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku and his executive as well as the Black Stars Management Committee which includes Dr. Randy Abbey, Stephen Appiah and Greater Accra RFA Chairman Samuel Aboabri aka Kataa.

Nii Ashiefie who is a keen sports enthusiast said the presence of Ghana at the biggest football festival is very important in terms of diplomacy and opportunity for tourism promotion and business.

He challenged the Technical Staff led by Otto Addo to go beyond the Quarter Finals of the World Cup if the chance is available.

He hailed Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare an indigene of Korle Gonno and urged the youth to copy from his commitment, dedication, discipline and showmanship. He advised him not to be swollen headed, but focus, pray and train harder.

He added that the playing body should unite and bond together to achieve results and support from from the fans.

He urged other young sportsmen and women to be inspired by the success of the footballers and also force to make it to the next Youth Olympic Games in Senegal and Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

By Sammy Heywood Okine