MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION Network (MTN) yesterday presented a cheque for $250,000 to Stephen Appiah, skipper of the senior national team.

The presentation was done in the presence of Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), his Vice, Mr. Fred Pappoe and Coach Claude Leroy, at a short ceremony at El Wak Stadium where the national team was training.

The presentation was to underline MTN’s commitment to the beautiful game of soccer.

Mr. George Andah, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Ghana, whose speech was read by Richard Acheampong, MTN Assistant Manager, said as a lead sponsor of the 26TH edition of the MTN African Cup of Nations which would be staged in Ghana next year and also sponsor of the special four-nation tournament, MTN had come to lend moral support to the Black Stars as the team embarked on the journey to conquer Africa for a historic fifth time.

According to Mr. Andah, the whole package was $300,000, as MTN would be presenting products worth $50.000 upon request.

“MTN is very proud of our association with the Black Stars. I am happy to announce that MTN is in talks with the GFA to extend and indeed enhance the sponsorship support to the Stars and an announcement to that effect would be made at the appropriate time,” he stressed.

He wished the Black Stars the best in the upcoming four-nation tournament and ultimately, the MTN African Cup of Nations.

Mr Andah said MTN looked forward to seeing the Black Stars qualify for the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

In his response, Stephen Appiah who received the cheque on behalf of the national team, thanked MTN for their gesture and wished them good luck in their endeavours.

The company also presented a mobile phone each to Skipper Appiah and Michael Essien.