Ghana: Guinness renews Stars sponsorship deal

Beverage giants, Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) have made the Black Stars richer with a $400,000 sponsorship package for the next three years through its flagship brand, Guinness, Ghanaian Chronicle published June 4.

Announcing the package, which is an improvement of the initial $120,000, at the offices of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in Accra yesterday, the Managing Director of GGBL, Mr Seni Adetu revealed that "Guinness believed in the greatness of the Black Stars when only a few thought they were worth supporting. The fact that we are here today is a testament to our continued belief in them, and we will continue to support them in the future." Guinness will also provide Malta Guinness, a non-alcoholic beverage, to the team during their local camping and during match days.

The GGBL boss commended the FA for their effort and partnership in facilitating a successful contract renewal which begins from August 2008 to August 2011.

He however, pleaded with the FA to protect their marketing rights against ambush marketing saying "This will lead to a better relationship and make us more committed financially to the Stars."

"The Black Stars carries Ghana's colours across the globe, they excite the passion of the nation, and naturally we consider supporting their cause a duty to the nation," Mr Adetu added.

He congratulated the Stars for the successful start to the 2010 CAN and World Cup qualifiers last Sunday against Libya and urged them to win their subsequent matches to qualify them to Angola and South Africa respectively in 2010. He gave his outfit's assurance about their continued support to the team.

In his acceptance speech, FA president, Mr. Kwasi Nyantakyi lauded Guinness for the gesture and said the event was a clear manifestation of the company's consistent commitment to the cause of the Black Stars.

He pointed out that the Guinness package had come at the right time and hoped they would bring their profile as a successful company to bear on the fortunes of the Stars, as the team prepares for the African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying matches to Angola and South Africa in 2010.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Mr. O.B. Amoah said "As government, we appreciate the role that Guinness Ghana Breweries has played to bring the Black Stars this far."

He commended the management of GGBL for supporting the Stars since 1998 and for their continued support for the Stars.

05 June, 2008