Accra, July 17, GNA - Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah and Chelsea midfield colleague Michael Essien have been named as its ambassadors by cellular telecommunication giants, MTN Group to promote the various brands of the company.

The images of the two players will b e used in promotional activities and advertising campaigns of the continent's biggest telecommunication outfit.

The two Ghanaians are the first players to be conferred such a honour by MTN, who are the main sponsors of the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations to be hosted in Ghana next January. Briefing the media in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Garth Hewitt, MTN Senior Manager in charge of Sponsorship said the naming of the two Ghanaian superstars is in line with the company's commitment to the growth of African football.

Mr Hewitt who is in the country to facilitate arrangements which will lead to a successful hosting of the continent's showpiece football event, pledged his outfit's support for the development of the game at the grassroots level as well as Club football.

He said that his outfit has put up the necessary structures to make sure that Ghana 2008 becomes the biggest ever staged event. Mr Hewitt explained that hosting of such a bigger tournament is one of the major legacies MTN is considering leaving for Africans and the continent at the end of the competition.

At a meeting with officials of the Ghana Football Association, the MTN Sponsorship Manager assured them of his outfits support to the senior national team, the Black Stars and Ghana football in general. Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of GFA acknowledged MTN's contributions to the success of the Black Stars, which he said will boost their quest of winning a record fifth title come next year. Mr Hewitt later visited the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra which is under renovation and expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.

The South African was accompanied by Mr George Andah, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Ghana.