GNPC seals deal as Black Stars headline sponsor

State-run oil exploration firm, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has signed a partnership agreement with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the Black Stars.

The deal worth 3 million dollars annually and subject to a yearly renewal for a period of 3-5 years confers on GNPC the title of headline sponsors of the senior national team.

The state-run company replaces mining firm, GoldFields Ghana Limited, which ended its five-year marriage with the Black Stars in a similar role following its expiration last year.

Nana Boakye Asafo-Adjaye, Chief Executive Officer of GNPC said the choice to enter into a partnership with the GFA hinged on the Black Stars serving a potent vehicle for promoting his outfit’s brand as a dependable partner in oil and gas exploration globally.

“The Black Stars are a perfect fit for GNPC. We both aspire to compete successfully on the global stage in a manner that impacts Ghanaians positively and profoundly.

The CEO said the collaboration highlights Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s conviction that 'Ghanaians must work together to manage our own affairs in our own interest; supporting the Black Stars is a way of contributing to national unity and harmony.

“We want our youth to draw inspiration from the fact that today their Black Stars are managed by a fully Ghanaian team led by a Ghanaian coach, himself a former Star, and sponsored by a Ghanaian national corporation.”

Kwesi Nyantakyi, GFA President expressed gratitude to GNPC, that it would go a long way to help the team’s quest to end the over three decades drought at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

“This is the first time a corporate body has sponsored the Black Stars to the tune of 3 million dollars. It will also motivate the players to win the tournament.”

Describing the signing of the agreement as timely, the GFA President said it would also alleviate financial burden of government with respect to the Black Stars.

The Stars are housed in Group B alongside DR Congo, Mali and Niger for the January 19 to February 10 tournament.