TV stations in Ghana swerve GFA

Several major television stations in Ghana have been shamed after it was revealed that they have still not paid the Ghana Football Association (GFA) money for broadcasting rights THREE YEARS after the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

The revelation has further enhanced Metro TV's position as Ghana's best football station after GFA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi paid a whiter than white tribute to the media outfit run by Talal Fatal.

The GFA decided this week to hand the exclusive broadcasting rights to Optimum Media Prime (OMP), an arm of Metro TV, for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers which start in June.

Nyantakyi explained that the GFA decided to hand the exclusive rights to OMP because of its prompt fulfilment of financial obligations to the country's football governing body.

The decision was taken as the defaulting stations have still lived up to their promise even though they benefited immensely through advertising.

"It will amaze you to know that some TV stations are still owing us, and so they don't have the moral rights to bid for media rights," Nyantakyi said.

Nyantakyi indicated that the FA sold the rights to OMP based on their competence, financial loyalty as well as the high confidence reposed in them.

The FA boss stated that the exclusivity nature of the agreement notwithstanding, interested parties are welcome on board to bring the Stars' matches to the door step of Ghanaians.

The Black Stars will begin their journey to the South Africa 2010 World Cup with its first game against Libya at the Baba Yara Stadium on May 30.