Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has launched a book to celebrate the heroic performance of the national team, the Black Stars at their maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2006.
The Black Stars reached the last sixteen of the event becoming the only African side to have reached that far before bowing out to Brazil 0-3.
The 120-page book titled “Pride and Glory – The story of the Black Stars in Germany 2006” comprises memoirs of the performance of the Stars in Germany and was made possible by four seasoned sports journalists - Mr Joe Aggrey, Mr Ken Bediako, Mr Ebo Quansah and Mr Felix Abayateye, and was edited by Mr Kwesi Gyan Appenteng, also a journalist and a media consultant.
Alhaji Aliu who was the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion recalled how the performance of the Black Stars brought a unified atmosphere to the country and ensured joy and pride to all Ghanaians.
He said the effect of the success of the Stars on the people was astonishing describing the team’s performance as a success story by all standards.
“The spirit among Ghanaians during the World Cup was Ghana first and other things secondary.”
Alhaji Aliu described the ‘collective pride’ during the World Cup as palpable and commended the writers of the book for such a wonderful collection that sets to keep the historic moments of the Black Stars in a documented form.
Dr. Kofi Amoah, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for Ghana 2008, said the performance of the Black Stars at the World Cup was a milestone in changing the fortunes of the country and its people through the game of soccer.
