The African continent will witness a historic and most memorable opening ceremony that will usher in the 26th Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Ghana from January 20-February 10.
The 40-minute event pieced together by Global Media Alliance, (GMA) Executive Producers of the opening ceremony would portray the rich cultural heritage of Ghana to the over 4.5 billion viewers across the world.
About 2,500 people made up of students, professors and lecturers from the University of Ghana, professional Dance Groups across the country, acrobats, cultural troops and children from Primary Schools would exhibit a blend of cultural and gymnastic display on the day.
The show would seek to tell the unfolding story of Ghanaian culture, the story of football and the Ghana 2008.
Also on stage would be ace musician Amanzeba Nat Brew and ‘Daughters of Glorious Jesus’.
Edward Boating Chief Executive of GMA says the show would be the best ever staged in the 25th year old history of the biennial event.
He said the GMA in its effort to give the continent and the world a spectacular event, has assembled the best professional teams from Ghana, South Africa, United States of Africa (USA), Thailand and China to produce, engineer and choreograph the show.
Among the professionals contracted for the show are Penny Jones, a renowned Stadium Theater Producer, Godwin Kotei- Ghana’s leading mass display choreographer and Professor Nii Yartey, Africa’s leading cultural choreographer and Kofi Ansah – Africa’s leading and renowned fashion designer.
The rest are Mike Amon Kwafo – Ghana’s foremost and props designer and Professor Mike Anku, Dean of School Performing Arts, Legon.
Rex Brobbey – Deputy Chief Operating Officer of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) said the opening ceremony would be unprecedented in the history of the continent.
He said the LOC has put in place measures to involve each individual in the ceremony, since this year’s tournament would be the biggest ever in its history and needs collaboration.
According to the organizers, the stadium would be closed to the public at 14:30 GMT as part of security measures to make way for the opening ceremony at 15:30 GMT.