The deal which runs out in January 2024 will see MTN commit the cedi equivalent of $ 2 million to the team ahead of their participation in the FIFA World Cup "Qatar 2022".

The sponsorship package is to support the well-being of the Black stars at the World Cup and their preparations towards the next African Cup of Nations.

Presidential effort

Addressing a press briefing to announce the deal yesterday in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh disclosed that the agreement was hatched at a meeting between President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; the Group CEO of MTN, Ralph Mupita and the Senior Vice President for Markets - MTN Group, Mr Ebenezer Asante.

He said MTN's sponsorship of the Black Stars was a reinforcement of the faith MTN has in the nation, including the national football assets.

"Today, Qatar 2022 is before us. We believe that our Black Stars deserve all the support they need to excel as they take on the rest of the world," Mr Adadevoh said.

"As a network of choice and based on our track record with football sponsorships, we deem it a great responsibility to contribute our quota towards building and investing in a formidable team who will go all out to excel and bring back the joy, excitement, and Unity that football brings to our society".

"I take this opportunity to encourage all Ghanaians to cheer the Black stars to victory as we wish them the very best. I am certain that with our support, the Black Stars will shine brightest and make history this year by bringing the cup home".

Similarly, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif praised President Akufo-Addo for the vital role he played in securing the sponsorship.

"I want to, therefore, use this opportunity to express gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his personal efforts in this sponsorship, to compliment the government's expenditure of the Black Stars and the national teams.

"On behalf of the President and the people of Ghana, I thank MTN for its bold support for the Black Stars. Like we had before, I am confident this will be another mutually beneficial relationship".

Mr Ussif assured that the Ministry as custodian of corporate support for the national teams would ensure that the funds will be used judiciously.

On his part, the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku praised MTN for supporting the Black Stars despite the economic challenges in the country.

He added that the financial support had answered about 70 per cent of his problems as it would ensure a "quiet and amazing camping atmosphere" for the Black Stars before their World Cup charge.

The Black Stars are scheduled to play Portugal (November 24), South Korea (November 28) and Uruguay (December 2) in Group H of the World Cup.