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Minister of Youth and Sports Hon Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah has once again stated that his Ministry has not given the rights to any Travel and Tours operator to carry Ghanaian supporters to the World Cup in Brazil.

This comes in the wake of media speculation that some tour operators in the country are selling their Brazil 2014 packages with the tagline ''official'' World Cup operator.

The Minister said that no such contract or agreement has been signed by government and that all options remain open to ensuring that the most professional, competitive and reliable packages are looked at for consideration.

''There are tens of dozens of licensed Travel and Tours companies in Ghana and government sees them as potential partners. So they are all welcome to submit proposals on how they intend to execute their plans for Brazil.''

Hon Afriyie Ankrah said that the healthy competition amongst tour operators will improve packages and standards which would ultimately offer better options for Ghanaians and indeed some targeted neighbouring countries.

The Minister has also assured Ghanaians that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that the Black Stars of Ghana will be as prepared as they have ever been for the World Cup Finals in Brazil.

''From the onset, the directives from the President has been very clear and that is, we must prepare very well. We all want the best preparations for our team in order to get the best from the players come June''.

He added that the unity the Black Stars bring to Ghanaians must not be taken for granted that is why the President is constantly in touch with him for developments with the team.

''We must not forget that even though 'President Mahama is the Commander in Chief, he is also a Black Stars fan just as passionate as any of us cheering from where ever he happens to be when the team plays''

Most soccer analysts and experts are already convinced that Portugal and Germany will advance from group G in next year's elite soccer fiesta leaving Ghana and USA homeward bound early.

However, Ghana's vibrant and colourful youth and sports minister sees the equation differently. ''I am not worried about what the experts say.

''All I care about is our Black Stars and I believe that the more we all rally around our boys, the stronger they will be. Every time our boys step out onto the field, they play for all of us and that powerful connection that every single Ghanaian is why the team continues to get stronger''

The Minister cited numerous examples of how the Black Stars united factions, opponents and even brought fierce rivals together.

''Have we forgotten how supporters of Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko also joined forces to ensure that the Black Stars record a resounding 6-1 victory over Egypt in Kumasi ?

This World Cup is for all Ghanaians whether cheering from your living room sofa, at a viewing centre in Tamale of in Forteleza Brazil, the beauty of our team is that every single citizen feels that they have a stake in the Black Stars. We all share the same passion - we love the Black Stars''