President Kufuor hosts AFCON 1965 players

Members of Ghana's victorious 1965 (Africa Cup of Nations) AFCON squad yesterday paid a courtesy call on former President John Agyekum Kufuor to formally invite him to their Golden Jubilee celebration.

The delegation, which called on the former President at his residence in Accra, comprised Reverend Osei Kofi, Reverend Kofi Pare, Wilberforce Mfum, John Bortey Naawu, Dodoo Ankrah, as well as officials of the Despite Group of Companies.

The leader of the delegation, Mr Tweneboah Koduah, informed President Kufuor that the celebrations would begin on December 3 with a fundraising dinner for the 10 surviving members of the squad at the Sun Lodge Hotel in Accra.

He added that the fundraising effort would be complemented by a football match slated for December 4 at the Accra Stadium between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Ghana's 1992 AFCON silver medal-winning team.

Top scorer at the 1965 AFCON, Rev Osei Kofi expressed gratitude to the former President for his continuous support for the Retired National Football Association of Ghana (RENFAG).

He further disclosed that it was under President Kufuor's administration that RENFAG was registered and also acquired an office.

President Kufuor, in his address, commended the players for their commitment to the nation, urging all Ghanaians to contribute to the fundraising effort.

He described the players as "originals" who are responsible for the Black Stars’ status as a global footballing powerhouse.

Dan Kweku Yeboah of the Despite Group of Companies also disclosed that several players of Ghana's 1992 AFCON squad, including Prince Polley, Abedi Ayew Pele, Stanley Aboraa and Isaac Asare, have confirmed their participation.