The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) have taken over the sponsorship of the national team after presenting a $3 million cheque to the Black Stars, the first installment of an unprecedented 3 to 5 years sponsorship deal with the Ghana Football Association, subject to yearly renewal. Hence, the GNPC and GFA will consequently operate a joint ‘The Black Stars Trust’ account with signatories from both institutions and a 6-body Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) composed of 3 from GNPC and 3 from GFA to oversee the administration of the contract.

The nation’s own oil exploration company announced the deal at a short but impressive ceremony at the Petroleum House head office in Tema barely three hours before the Black Stars flew out to Abu Dhabi on January 4 to begin preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 in South Africa. The $3million per year deal is the highest ever monetary commitment to the Black Stars by a sponsor but according to Nana Boakye Asafu-Adjaye, CEO of GNPC, it wasn’t a difficult decision because the national team aspire to achieve for Ghanaians just like GNPC. “The Black Stars are a potent vehicle and perfect fit for GNPC. We both aspire for global recognition and success and our collaboration affirms Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s conviction that Ghanaians must work together to manage our own affairs,” Mr. Asafu-Adjaye said. He continued: “The GNPC aspires to be a world class oil and gas company, the Stars aspire to be world champions. Both have been on difficult journeys but we have both survived because of the unflinching support and understanding of Ghanaians.”

The GNPC boss reiterated: “His Excellency, President Mahama’s confidence in the team resonates with us at GNPC. We believe that with this headline sponsorship, the Black Stars will go for gold at the Africa Nations’ Cup, go beyond the semi-finals at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and win the CAN 2015.”

He added: “Supporting the Black Stars is also contribution to national unity. Football transcends all political , ethnic, religious, educational divides and the nation comes to a standstill anytime the Black Stars are playing.

“The youth must draw inspiration from the fact that the Black Stars are led and managed by a Ghanaian team, a Ghanaian coach and a Ghanaian company now sponsoring them.”