National Sports Council assures of firm security for President's Cup

Accra, June 18, GNA - The National Sports Council (NSC) has assured of firm security for this year's President's Cup scheduled for Wednesday, July 1 at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.

The match to be organized by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) is to be played in honour of President John Evans Atta Mills and will pit Premier League leaders Accra Hearts of Oak and Sekondi Eleven Wise for the titanic clash.

Mr Worlanyo Agrah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NSC who gave the assurance during the official launch of the event on Thursday cited the effective organization of last weekend's league clash between Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko as a testimony of their capabilities.

He said the tight security exhibited at the local derby involving the nation's two most supported clubs should be enough reason to allay any security fears with respect to the match.

Nii Lante Vanderpuije, Aide to the President, also pledged Government's support towards making the event a success. Emmanuel Adotey, Chairman of GHALCA cited curtain raisers to be organized that would involve teams from the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGHA), Members of Parliament, the Actors Guild and Retired Footballers as some innovations towards making the event attractive.

He outlined that the two participating clubs will be entitled to an appearance fee of 12,000 Ghana Cedis each with the eventual winner picking an extra 7,000 Ghana Cedis and a giant glittering trophy. Mr Adotey added that the event has been christened "MTN President's Cup 2009" following a whopping 65,000 Ghana cedis pumped towards its successful organization by the telecommunication giants. The GHALCA Chairman explained that his outfit, Hearts and Eleven Wise will each be entitled to 20 percent of the gate proceeds, 10 percent to the NSC and 30 percent to the presidency towards a suggested grassroots development project.

Victor Bannerman-Chedid, Senior Manager in charge of Customer Management of MTN reiterated his outfit's support towards the President's Cup as a link to their core values, leadership as well as the development of sports.

Other sponsors of the event are Voltic Mineral Water, Optimum Media Prime and Metro Mass Transport.

A highly competitive clash is expected since two meetings between the two clubs this season have both ended in stalemates. Asante Kotoko beat Heart of Lions on penalties to win last year's event.