CCTC launches promotion in support of Stars

Accra, May 06, GNA - The Black Stars have received yet another boost for their campaign in the World Cup in Germany with the launch of a nationwide promotion to raise funds for their appearance. The Continental Commodity Trading Company, dealers in Ricemaster's brands of rice, unveiled the promotion at the official trade launch of its latest brand 'Stars Rice' in honour of the Black Stars in Accra on Friday.

The special promotion will enable buyers of the various Ricemaster's brands to contribute 2,500 cedis per bag towards the success of the Black Stars in Germany.

This latest move comes in the wake of a 1.5 billion cedi commitment made by the company in support of the Stars some weeks ago. CCTC, a member of the Finatrade of Companies, has also pledged a donation of 250 bags of energy filled rice to the team aside the financial commitment.

"We are here today to take our commitment to the Black Stars a step further by introducing to you our specially designed trade package in honour of the Black Stars," Mr John Awuni, an official of CCTC, told the audience at the packed auditorium of the Aviation Social Centre. "We also want to give Ghanaians the unique opportunity to show their unblemished love for the Black Stars when they appear in Germany next month," Awuni added.

The company, which is also the Official Meal Sponsor of the Black Stars, said they would sustain the promotion vigorously to ensure that all the team needed for a successful tournament was provided. Mr Kwesi Nyantakyie, Chairman of the Ghana Football Association, said everything was being done to ensure that the Black Stars were in the best of shape before the tournament kicks off on June 09. He assured Ghanaians that the team was not only going there to put in an appearance but make a mark on the global football scene. Mr Nyantakyie said funds were needed to motivate the players as well as pay their bonuses.

He lauded the efforts of C CTC and pledged that the Black Stars would reciprocate the gesture through impressive performance. Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, praised CCTC for paying one billion cedis out of the 1.5 billion cedis support package promised to the Black Stars. He urged Ghanaians to patronise rice from the company so as to contribute to the advancement of the cause of the Black Stars. The Stars are making their maiden appearance at the World Cup tournament after several decades in the "wilderness". They are drawn in the same group with Italy, Czech Republic and the United States.