Soccer-World-Solar power brings World Cup to Ghanaian bush

By Kwasi Kpodo

OBOADAKA, Ghana, June 13 (Reuters) - Deep in the Ghanaian bush, some 200 people danced and hollered on Sunday as solar power helped beam Ghana's World Cup victory over Serbia to the pineapple-growing village of Oboadaka for the first time.

Not only were the villagers overjoyed by their team's success, but for many it was a first time watching live World Cup soccer on television.

"We have more than enough reason to celebrate. Its a double-victory for us in this village and we must enjoy it while it lasts," said 63-year-old David Danso, who was among the residents gathered around the giant wall projector powered by solar energy.

Danso, dressed in traditional garb, said he and his kinsmen had never "dreamt" of watching a live World Cup match in Oboadaka, a village off the electrical grid about 90 minutes drive from the capital Accra.

The screening was made possible by a German development aid group which set up solar power for the village's medical clinic last week.

"This has never happened here and we're grateful," Danso said.

Rebecca Kwafo, a 24 year-old dressmaker, said she had walked more than two kilometres to watch the game.

"It is a divine intervention," she said. "God wanted us to have a feel of the World Cup this time."

An 85th minute penalty gave Ghana a 1-0 win over Serbia, the first victory by an African team in this World Cup.

(Writing by Richard Valdmanis; editing by Ossian Shine)