Spectacular Cultural Show

The nation's rich cultural heritage was on display yesterday as over 1,500 dancers and acrobats demonstrated their skills and talents at the refurbished Ohene Djan Stadium to kick start the 26th MTN African Cup of Nations. The show which heralded one of the best African soccer fiesta took off in grand fashion after President John Agyekum Kufour arrived to a thunderous cheer and a Ghana Armed Forces helipcoter flew around the stadium flying the colourful red, yellow and green flag of the nation. The programme got under way with the rendering of the Drum Calling (Atumpan) and Drums Response (Fontonfrom) traditional drums, followed by the Menson Horn Blowers who arrived in their numbers. There was also dramatic entry of horse riders that preceded the arrival of the Majestic Chiefs to perform the spectacular Umbrella Dance, before the Ghana flag was revealed in a performance by Amanzeba-Womba.The Ghana Football Association and GHANA 2008 logos were displayed with the mascot named, Agorohene, in a gymnastic show. He gracefully led some members of the old Black Stars — Wilberforce Mfum, Awuley Quaye, Acquaye Maclean, Joe Carr, Osei Kofi, Emmanuel Quarshie, Sampson Lamptey and Kofi Pare — waving the national flag to the cheers of the thousands of soccer fans. The Ghana Armed Force Band also added touch of military precision with their instrumentals and perfect marching, in wait for the two countries, Ghana and Guinea, to battle for the opening game. President Kufour , FIFA boss Sepp Blatter, UEFA head Michel Platini, CAF President Alhaji Issah Hayatou and South Africa 2010 World Cup CEO Danny Jordan and other dignitaries who watched the opening ceremony, were seen applauding to the spectacle of the Ghana 2008.