Gold Fields Ghana has presented a cheque for $300,000 to support the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The presentation was in response to government’s call on the private sector to support the Black Stars campaign in Qatar and also renew the company’s support for the team that dated back in 2005.
Receiving the cheque on Thursday, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Mustapha Ussif, said the support by Gold Fields, further deepened their commitment to sports development in Ghana.
He said the funds would be put to good use and every penny accounted for as they look forward to having a successful World Cup campaign.
The Executive Vice President and Head of
Gold Fields, West Africa, Mr Joshua Mortoti said, since 2005, Gold Fields had supported the Black Stars for an eight-year period, spending a total of $15 million.
“We believe in the Black Stars and our presentation is to cement our support for them ahead of the championship,” he stated.
He said Gold Fields see sports as a tool for unity, development and growth, hence the construction of a 10,400-seater stadium at Tarkwa.
“This world-class Stadium is almost completed and is being funded by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation to the tune of $16.2 million. We look forward to having the Black Stars play there when it is officially opened,” he stressed.
The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Mr Kurt Okraku said he was excited with the support.
As a country, he said, Ghana was ready for the World Cup and the support would go a long way in making the nation proud.
Present at the presentation ceremony was the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Mireku Dukah who commended the Minister of Youth and Sports for setting up the fundraising committee to solicit for funds to support the Black Stars.
He thanked Gold Fields and appealed to other mining companies to come to their aid and urged the Black Stars to make the nation and sponsors proud.
BY MICHAEL D.ABAYATEYE
