Accra, Oct. 26, GNA - Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) on Friday presented a brand new 55-seater Mercedes Commercial Vehicle (MCV) Bus worth about 240,000 Euros to the team as part of their sponsorship of the national team.

The donation by the official beverage sponsors of the Black Stars is to fulfil part of the sponsorship agreement signed between the beverage manufacturing giant and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in 2005.

The brand new ultra-modern fully air-conditioned bus is designed in the national colours with a Guinness logo embossed on both sides. It has facilities such as a fridge, toilet and television amongst others and will be used by the Stars during next years Africa Cup of Nations.

Mr Seni Adetu, Managing Director of GGBL who presented the keys of the bus to officials of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and the GFA.

He said the donation of the bus was to facilitate the movement of the Stars and technical team before, during and after the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Managing Director expressed hope that the bus will go a long way in assisting the preparation of the Stars in their quest to win a record equalling fifth title during the 26th edition of the continent's showpiece soccer event.

Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the GFA commended the Guinness Brewery for their kind gesture, which he said was a clear manifestation of their consistent commitment to the cause of the Black Stars. He said the donation also confirms the beverage-manufacturing outfit as a reliable partner of the GFA and the greatest tribute by the Stars is for to be able to lift the ultimate come February 10, 2008. "This brand new bus befits the status of the Stars and I hope it will answer all transportation related problems of the team." Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State in charge of Education, Science and Sports lauded the decision of the two parties of settling on a bus as the project element in the three-year renewable contract. She advised the GFA to go through the maintenance schedule to prolong the life span of the bus.

Mr Adetu also presented a cheque of 120,000 dollars being the annual financial commitment to the Black Stars.

Mr Nyantakyi was assisted by Ms Ohene and Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports to receive the cheque and the bus.

Guinness Ghana Limited who have been associated with the Stars since 1998 presented a bus to the team almost a decade ago.