Accra, May 10, GNA-Ecobank Ghana Limited on Wednesday, presented a cheque for 150,000 dollars (about 1.35 billion cedis) to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to support the senior national team, the Black Stars, in their participation in the FIFA World Cup 2006 scheduled for Germany.

Mr Sam A. Adjei, Managing Director of the bank, who made the presentation on behalf of the bank, said it was the policy of the bank to support the community in which it operates. He said, apart from supporting the three West African countries that would be participating in the competition, the bank would make it possible for other countries in its operational zone to watch the games live.

Mr. Adjei said the bank would also help Ghana for the hosting of CAN 2008 Games.

The Managing Director expressed the hope that the donation would motivate the team to give of their best. Papa Owusu Ankomah, Minister of Education, Science and Sports, said since the qualification of the team, corporate bodies have been donating to the Black Stars.

He said, for sports to be promoted and developed, there was the need for the application of business principles. Papa Ankoma praised Ecobank for being a significant partner in the promotion and development of sports. He gave the assurance that, the money would be put to good use and expressed the hope that the team would shine to lift high the Flag of Ghana.

The Minister appealed to other corporate bodies and institutions to go to the aid of the association. Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, President of GFA, expressed the hope that the donation would serve as a morale booster which would ginger the players to qualify to, at least the quarter final stage.