<<Print>>

President John Evans Atta Mills was yesterday absent during this year�s President�s Cup soccer match played at the Accra Sports Stadium to commemorate Ghana�s attainment of a republican status, in spite of an assurance to the contrary earlier. The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), organizers of the fiesta, had promised at a press conference before yesterday�s soccer duel that President Mills would definitely be in attendance. The association�s assurance of the president�s attendance was informed by the Castle communications to that effect, but unfortunately it never was. Had he turned up to grace the occasion, it would have been his first during his term as president, having missed such previous matches to commemorate the date. A similar sporting event he was expected to attend about two weeks ago when Ghana hosted the West Africa Games in Accra turned out to be a �no show�. The president rather had a luncheon with senior citizens to commemorate the day. Many who have followed the politics which dogged his routine medical check-up in the United States and his eventual return had their hopes dashed of seeing their energy-filled President at the dais presenting the President�s Cup to the winner of yesterday�s soccer duel between Berekum Chelsea and Kumasi Asante Kotoko. For Vice President John Dramani Mahama, it was yet another opportunity to stand in for his boss the President, one of the many assignments he has performed on his behalf since the duo took over the mantle of the political leadership of the nation. With his US doctors� certified clean bill of health under his armpit upon arrival from New York last week, yesterday�s appearance would have supported the President in his bid to convince skeptics that he does not only jog but can watch soccer matches and even present cups to winners. The two teams which locked horns yesterday clashed last year on a similar occasion, with Berekum Chelsea beating Kotoko on penalties. The defending champions, Berekum Chelsea played Kotoko in their new status as the reigning league champions. A President Mills� presence at the occasion would have added a rare presidential freshness to the soccer encounter, something which has not happened in the past three years. Vice President John Mahama�s presence at the Accra Stadium to represent his boss reminded many, especially Kotoko fans, about his oral goof last year when he jokingly said he hoped Berekum Chelsea would win because his spouse hails from the Brong Ahafo Region. This prank did not go down well with the Kotoko fans who frowned and swore. This year, though he said he was not going to indulge in such remarks, that did not spare him some catcalls from the mostly Kotoko spectators who remembered last year�s goof and definitely not ready for a repeat performance. The President�s Cup match was instituted by the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and has been played consistently over the years to commemorate the occasion. Also witnessed by Ghanaians was a special horse race at the then Accra Race Course organized by the now defunct Accra Turf Club.