Ministry expresses delight at Ghanaian supporters

Accra, Jan. 20, GNA - The Ministry of Education and Sports has expressed delight at the way Ghanaian supporters have been organised and coordinated for the 25th African Cup of Nations which kick-starts in Egypt on Friday.

Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, a Deputy Minister of Education and Sports said the modalities used in selecting the 100-man team including members of the Ghana Supporters Union were encouraging, avoided corruption and has made the group more attractive for corporate sponsorship in future. Telecommunication giants, Areeba on Thursday presented an all-expenses paid sponsorship package for 100 supporters of the Black Stars made up 75 known customers and 25 others, mostly from the Ghana Supporters Union to cheer the national team for a record fifth title chase.

Those making the trip would be given additional 200 dollars pocket money each for the 22-day Africa's biggest soccer showpiece. The deputy Minister said the Supporters Union has demonstrated good faith and has shown that it was capable of presenting a credible team during the World Cup in Germany in summer.

He said once the Union's activities were streamlined and transparent, it was likely to attract huge corporate sponsorship to facilitate future travels.

The Ministry late last year, expressed worry at rumours that some individuals had taken advantage of the up-coming World Cup to demand 4,000 Euros from unsuspecting applicants to assist them with tickets and visas.

It, subsequently warned the public that it had not authorised anyone to issue out tickets or acquire visas for Ghanaians intending to travel to Germany to support the Black Stars and that anyone who paid money to anybody did so at his or her own risk. Mr Amoah commended the executives of the Supporters Union for their efforts at doing the right thing adding; "this new development would help erase all erroneous impression about you people." The Black Stars are paired in Group D with Nigeria, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

The Ghanaians play their opening group match against neighbours Nigeria on Monday, January 23, at the El-Masry Stadium in Port Said.