Appiah Tells Ghanaian Not To Allow Political Difference Wipe Our Democratic Gains

Ex Black Stars skipper, Stephen Appiah has called on Ghanaians not to allow political differences before, during and after this year’s general elections destroy what ever resources the country has gained with it’s democracy.

The former Fernabache midfielder was unveiled as the Peace Ambassador by the National Peace Council chairman Rev Emmanuel Asante ahead of Ghana’s general election on 7 November, 2016.

The former Juventus star during his days as the Black Stars captain was seen as a unifier as his leadership skills brought a lot of peace and unity in camp which wasn’t seen in the past.

Appiah believes playing for the national team was an opportunity and the best way to return Ghanaians love is to preach peace and unity.

“…for me I believe Ghana has been so good to me and one of the best ways to give back my beloved country is to commit myself to its development which can only be achieved by fostering an atmosphere of peace and unity.” Appiah said in statement.

The ex-Black Stars captain added: “It is a popular knowledge that election in our part of the World are stained with pocket of violence seeming from political differences and other factors.

“Yes I’m of the view that here in Ghana we must not let this factor divide us let alone wipe or threatened to wipe the democratic gains we have made over the years.”

The Unity match to promote peace is scheduled for June 8 and 11 at the Baba Yara and Accra Sports Stadiums respectively.

Appiah Tells Ghanaian Not To Allow Political Difference Wipe Our Democratic Gains

Ghana Should Always Be The Winner - Stephen Appiah

Former Black Stars of Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah has called on Ghanaians to put Ghana first and not allow emotional attachment mar the peace of the country.

Stephen Appiah, who was unveiled as the Peace Ambassador by the National Peace Council chairman Rev Emmanuel Asante ahead of Ghana’s general election on 7 November, 2016 on Monday said Ghana is always the winner and not a specific body.

Prior to his unveiling as the Peace Ambassador on Monday at the State Banquet Hall in Accra, Appiah told Ghanaians at the venue and across country to embrace peace and togetherness no matter the political party they belong to during the general elections.

The former Juventus star during his playing days captained the was seen regarded as a unifier as his leadership skills brought a lot of peace and unity in camp.

Appiah believes Ghana made him who is today, and his unbridled love for the country will always be his priority.

“As the former Black Stars captain as well as former international footballer, I strongly believe my status today has been made possible by Ghana,” Appiah said in a statement.

He added: “From the moment I was offered my first opportunity to wear the national colours and through my days with the various national teams till I was made the captain of the Black Stars.

“Which was the highlight of my career, for me I believe Ghana has been so good to me and one of the best ways to give back my beloved country is to commit myself to its development which can only be achieved by fostering an atmosphere of peace and unity.

“It is a popular knowledge that election in our part of the World are stained with pocket of violence seeming from political differences and other factors. [And] Yes I’m of the view that here in Ghana we must not let this factor divide us let alone wipe or threatened to wipe the democratic gains we have made over the years.”

The nation come together as one during football, and Stephen Appiah football and elections have a common relationship, and that is the outcome.

Whether you’re winner or a loser, accept the result and move on.

“In my opinion I see election to be similar to the game of football: there are two possible outcomes a win or lose, there are opposing sides who supporters have made huge emotional investment and can go extreme length just to see their favourite team win, there is a referee to ensure the rules are obeyed.

Stephen Appiah was the first captain to lead Black Stars to their maiden World Cup appearance in 2006 in Germany.

Ghana Should Always Be The Winner - Stephen Appiah

Arsenal Fans Serve A Wine Difficult To Swallow As Euphoria Surrounding Sol Campbell"s Arrival Turn Bitter.

At about 22:13 GMT Sunday night, Sol Campbell and George Boateng flanked by two military men with Stephen Appiah the torch brightening the way led them out of the arrival hall of the Kotoka International Airport.

Five photographers stood at the heart of the main arrival entrance to take pictures of the former Arsenal defender and Netherland’s midfielder, George Boateng. Arsenal fans in the country who had heard of the coming of their legend and thronged to the Kotoka International Airport to catch a glimpse of the defender they saw on television ooze class and played with elegance, battled and led the team courageously to go unbeaten in the 2003/2004 season and reached the champions league final in 2006, filled the Forex Bureu Automated Teller Machine end, singing, clapping and dancing in excitement.

“Are we passing here?” Came the voice of Stephen Appiah who wanted to know whether they are heading to meet the fans and the media at the dance ground.

“Yes!” I answered. And as they marched towards the crowd, media men slipped through with recorders and cameras for Sol’s first words on his first visit to the West African country. Stephen Appiah, the gentle giant who invited him over, stepped up and said: “i am here to introduce Sol Campbell and George Boateng. As you all know, towards our unity game in June, tomorrow we’re going to launch the the unity game. If you have one or two questions you can ask them. Thank you!”

He turned and smiled at Sol Campbell, and he laughed out loud “hahahahahaha, wow!” And moved towards the journalists who had prepared their recorders.

After a few seconds of silence, George Addo Jnr of Accra-based radio station, Joy FM, pushed out the first words from the journalists.

George “Sol welcome to Ghana.”

Sol Campbell “Thank you! Is a pleasure to be here.”

George “why are you motivated to come down to assist Stephen Appiah in this event?”

Sol Campbell “I think is important for players like me to be motivated to honour this invitation.You have the elections coming up and having football and politics is quiteful together. You need to bring everybody together for peace and unity and playing some football I think is quite fantastic.”

George Addo “Is really a good time for Arsenal fans here…”

Sol “Yeah, yeah, Is fantastic and i can see the fans out there. And also more importantly, I can feel the love.”

George Addo “you’re enjoying it here?”

Sol “yeah, is good. Hot? I like it hot.” With a grin, he turned as media satellite centred on George Boateng afterwards. He thanked Sol Campbell for coming and said “is an honour for Ghana to have such a legend player come into the country to share his experiences with us. Sol, we say Akwaaba.” And Sol replied “Akwaaba!”

Everyone laughed in unison. And that was that

Organisers whisked him away much to the surprise of fans who gathered at the arrival hall and waited for about four hours to have a glimpse and probably a selfie with the Jamaican-born England international.

“He’s had a long journey and is tired, he needs to take some rest.” Came the voice media director of Primeval Media who empathized with the 41-year old.

“And to the media, let’s meet at the house former president Kuffour at 10:30.”

Some fans ran across for photographs, and got it, others stood with mouths wide open in disappointment.

“Is that all? This is not what we were told.” A disappointed Arsenal fan said whilst looking at his red and white paraphernalia with the Gunners crest boldly on the heart of it.

“I should have slept instead of wasting my time to come here,” another disgruntled fan told sportscrusader.com.

“We were here as early as 7 – something because they said he will arrive at 8 and see the time now!”

“Mu j3” he told a friend in the Hausa parlance meaning “let’s go”.

With anger, they moved to where their bus was parked. Others too could not hide their disappointment. They poured out their venom with passion. Leaders of the group were no where to be found for their reaction to what unfolded.

Organisers too left before the frustrations and disappointment poured out and their side as why they could not fulfill their promise to let Sol appreciate the love they showed him on his arrival with even ‘thank you!”for the love one-on-one.

Ghana football lovers and Arsenl fans came out in their numbers to support, but they were served with the bitters of wine one would ever swallow.

Arsenal Fans Serve A Wine Difficult To Swallow As Euphoria Surrounding Sol Campbell"s Arrival Turn Bitter.

I am In Ghana To Unite The People - Sol Campbell

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell says his aim for visiting Ghana is to unite the people ahead of this years elections.

Sol, 41, was a granite figure at the centre of defence for all his clubs –and was twice named in the team of the tournament at the World Cup, and a member of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” that went the 2003-04 league season unbeaten.

He captained Portsmouth, of which Sulley Muntari was a part of to win the 2008 FA Cup. In 2006 Sol Campbell became the only player in England’s history to play in six major tournaments for the Three Lions.

Having achieved so much in football, a game believe to be the vehicle for driving peace and togetherness, he was invited into the country by ex-Black Stars skipper Stephen Appiah to launch a peace match as football is the tool to bring Ghanaians together for the upcoming general elections.

Sol Campbell who honoured the invitation said football and politics are major ingredients for oneness and feels using football will help foster love in November 7 elections.

“It Is a pleasure to be here. I think is important for players like me to be motivated to honour this invitation,” the former West Ham United academy graduate told a section of the media at the Kotoka international airport upon arrival.

He added: “You have the elections coming up and having football and politics is quiteful together. You need to bring everybody together for peace and unity and playing some football I think is quite fantastic.”

Many Arsenal fans thronged to the Kotoka international airport to welcome the Jamaican-born England international with paraphernalias and he was excited to feel the love of the gunners in Ghana.

“I can see the fans out here and more importantly, I can feel the love and as i said earlier it is all about bringing everyone together.”

The peace match launch will take place on Monday January 18, 2016 at the State House at 18:00 GMT or 6 P.M local time, whilst the match itself, scheduled on a two-legged basis between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and a select side led by Stephen Appiah will take place on June 8 and 11 at the Baba Yara and Accra Sports Stadiums respectively.

I am In Ghana To Unite The People - Sol Campbell