Tarkwa, (W/R) Jan 18, GNA - Goldfields Ghana Limited (GFGL) wing of the Black Stars Supporters Club was inaugurated at Tarkwa in the Western Region with Mr Richard Atifu as its Chairman. GFGL is the first mining company in the country to form a Club to support the National Team.

Dr. Toni Aubynn, Corporate Affairs Manager of GFGL, in his inaugural address, said the company in 2005, embarked to diversify its operations into other social issues and results have been very beneficial to both the country and the company and ensured a high level of unity among the people devoid of tribalism. He said GFGL being a leading mining company in the country has a special brand that is yet to be challenged and that the sponsorship of the Black Stars has strengthened the brand as a distinct mining company. Dr. Aubynn commended the efforts of the workers of the company whose sweat he said contributed to the successful sponsoring of the Black Stars and which he said has motivated the Black Stars who are poised and determined to win the GHANA 2008 Cup. Mr. Ebo Kesse, District Public Relations Officer, who represented the Wassa West District Chief Executive, Mr. Emmanuel Kwasi Ayensu said sports has turned the lives of people and brought them to the limelight. He said the sponsorship of the Black Stars by GFGL has placed the name of the District on a high pedestal, while promising the support of the District Assembly to the growth of the Club. Mr. Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers Union also pledged the support of the Union to the growth of the Club.

He advised the supporters against any form of lukewarm and passive attitude that that will make the Club loose its focus and die from inactivity.

Mr. Sydney Ngori, Director, Corporate Affairs, in Charge of Sports said sports play a significant role in bringing people of different background and cultures together and prayed that that Black Stars would excel in at the tournament. The other officers of the Club include Mr Abdul Razak Sheni, Vice Chairman, Mr Martin Doe, Secretary and Mr Emmanuel Kwofie, assistant secretary.

The rest are Mr Richard Osei Yaw, Organizer, Emmanuel Addo, assistant organizer, Mr Michael Dauda, financial secretary, Mr Joseph Adusei, Chaplain and Mr Gabriel Arloo - Porter.