MTN calls for support for the Black Stars

Kumasi, May 30, GNA - The Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Ghana, a telecommunication operating company, Mr George Andah has entreated corporate bodies, non-governmental organizations and the general public to rally solidly behind the senior national team, the Black Stars to goad the team qualify for the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. Mr Andah said this was necessary considering the fact that Ghana represented one of the countries capable of causing an upset at the two Championships.

The Marketing Officer made the call at the launch of the MTN Global Activity Plan towards the World Cup at the Golden Tulip Hotel (formerly City Hotel) in Kumasi on Thursday.

The launch was held simultaneously in all the company's 21 operations in Africa and the Middle East. Mr Andah praised the Stars for emerging as the top most team on the Africa continent in FIFA's recently held rankings and urged them to work hard to sustain the trend for the benefit and development of Ghana football.

He expressed delight that the MTN was traditionally rooted in Africa and positioned strategically to provide excellent services in emerging markets and said this has enabled the company to sponsor the World Cup as well as the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and Angola respectively.

The marketing manager said as part of the company's campaign concept, it has planned to use a number of significant items including the calabash which is traditionally used to welcome guests at homes, adding that this was significant in view of the fact that the company would be welcoming football enthusiasts from all walks of life to both competitions in a grand style.

He said the sponsorship of the global fiesta was the very first by an African company and confirms MTN's commitment to taking the lead on most issues of development, especially the passion of the country. Prince Buabeng and Eric Bekoe of the Black Stars team graced the occasion.