GNPC is new Stars headline sponsor
by Gary Al-Smith 03 January 2013, 21:16
p> The President of Ghana has announced a new headline for the Black Stars: the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). The outfit will take over as the headline sponsor of the senior national team from Goldfields.
Although the President did not give figures, Supersport.com can reveal that the deal is worth $3 million for the next five years and it will last till 2018.
It is news that will be greeted with relief from all quarters following frustrations with the lack of signing a new sponsor since the last sponsor's deal ended.
The President of Ghana made the announcement during the Black Stars' courtesy on him at the seat of government on Thursday morning.
"I want to thank our newest kid on the block that is, our Ghana National Petroleum Council (GNPC) for coming onto the sponsorship block with a very significant package to last over a five-year period. It will help greatly in lifting the quality of our game in Ghana and I’m sure that within that five-year period, we will all see the results,” Mahama said.
The President was at pains to reveal that sponsoring the national team was an arduous task, but one which the government was ready to shoulder - as well as those of the various national sporting teams.
"The government of Ghana will continue to be the main financier of the Black Stars. It is a burden we have to carry and we will carry it without any complains,” President Mahama said.
Grateful to Goldfields
GNPC is responsible for the exploration, licensing and distribution of petroleum related activities. President Mahama proffered his thanks to Goldfields Ghana Limited, the immediate past sponsor.
The mining giant is widely credited as being the sole financial catalyst for Ghana's resurgence on the African and world stage since 2006. Goldfields sponsored the Stars on a $1.5 million-a-year sponsorship deal, which expired last year.
Ghana will play its first game against DR Congo on January 20 in the Afcon, but will first leave for Abu Dhabi on Friday, where an eleven-day pre-tournament camping will take place.
