The CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Alex Mould, has defended his outfit’s continuous association with the senior national soccer team, the Black Stars, describing it as the best brand in the country.

GNPC is currently the headline sponsor of the Black Stars, doling out US$3 million annually as a sponsorship package for the team.

Speaking on The Ghana Report, hosted by Bernard Avle on Viasat One television earlier this week, Alex Mould said GNPC has benefited immensely from its association with the Black Stars, adding that it intends to continue sponsoring the national team despite criticism from some quarters that GNPC could put its money to better use.

“We are happy with our association with the Black Stars. It is the best brand in Ghana, and if we don’t sponsor them, a foreign entity like Tullow will do and demand tax rebate from government for it”.

Asked if the shameful and infamous events which took place in the camp of the Black Stars, which led to senior players such as Sulley Muntari and Kevin Prince - Boateng being thrown out of the team camp during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, didn’t prompt a rethink of GNPC’s association with the team, Mr Alex Mould said his outfit analysed it and decided to still back the team financially.

Alex Mould added that there is an ongoing discussion with the sports ministry and the National Sports Authority to ensure that GNPC will spread its sponsorship to juvenile football and other less financed sports.