MTN Ghana has supported the Black Stars participation at the Qatar FIFA 2022 World Cup and the 2024 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire with a cheque for $2m.
At yesterday’s signing ceremony in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of MTN, Mr Selorm Adadevoh said the gesture was a reinforcement of the faith MTN has in the Black Stars.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, who thanked MTN for the initiative between the GFA and MTN, a long-time partner and supporter of Ghana sports.
“This latest initiative to support the Black Stars further demonstrates MTN’s commitment and contribution to sports development which dates back to the days of Areeba.
The money, he noted, was timely and will significantly boost the Black Stars preparations and participation in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and beyond.
Yesterday’s presentation followed another sponsorship agreement between the FA and Ghana Oil Company (GOIL) to the tune of $200,000.
The deal makes GOIL the official fuel partner of the FA.
It will also require the GFA to purchase additional fuel estimated at GH¢1.34m for the period.
The GFA president, Mr Kurt Simeon-Okraku, has since hailed the deals, specifically describing the GOIL deal as a move to bring back night football.
“Night football was a regular feature on our Premier League calendar but was cancelled due to inadequate resources to pay for fuel for the floodlights.”
He said both deals would go a long way to improve Ghana football and also provide the needed fillip for the Black Stars ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Managing Director and Group CEO of GOIL, Mr Kwame Osei Prempeh welcomed the opportunity to be associated with the FA.
By the arrangement, GOIL will enjoy benefits including advertising pitch panels per each home national team match (where permitted by FIFA/CAF and match organisers), and also get the rights to market its services during selected national team matches.
He hoped that the partnership with the GFA will propel the Black Stars to make history at their fourth World Cup appearance with the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Mr. Simeon-Okraku (2nd left) receives the document from Mr Osei Prempeh (2nd right) while officials from both sides look on.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
