Ghana’s proposed £10 million (about GH¢153 million) “Visit Ghana” front-of-shirt partnership with Sunderland AFC is at risk of collapse, putting the country’s planned tourism marketing campaign and a proposed friendly between Asante Kotoko and the English Premier League club in doubt.

According to Graphic Sports, Sunderland has indicated that it is proceeding on the assumption that the sponsorship will not go ahead after six months of negotiations with Visit Ghana and representatives of the Ghanaian government.

The club is reportedly yet to receive the formal approval from Ghana required to finalise the agreement.

The proposed partnership was expected to give Ghana significant international exposure through Sunderland’s participation in the Premier League and its global fanbase.

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It was also linked to a planned friendly between 2026 Democracy Cup champions Asante Kotoko and Sunderland in England, meaning the uncertainty over the sponsorship could also affect the proposed fixture.

The partnership had reportedly progressed to the point where it was publicly announced by government-linked representatives, with the Visit Ghana brand expected to appear on Sunderland’s shirts from the start of the current Premier League season.

However, the absence of the required approval has left the multi-million-pound agreement in limbo.

The proposed deal was seen as a major opportunity to promote Ghana as a tourism destination to Sunderland’s international supporters and a global Premier League audience.

PAH/JKB

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