GTV takes second look at GHALCA Top 4 coverage

Accra, Nov. 14, GNA - Ghana Television is taking a second look at its earlier astronomical demands for exclusive right to cover the lucrative Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) Top Four soccer competition after the association threatened to deny it access for coverage should the demands not be reviewed.

Subsequently, the state television has initiated fresh negotiations with GHALCA in order to be grafted into the deal, which has already been sealed with TV3, a private Accra-based television station.

Mr Kudjoe Fianoo, Administrative Manager of GHALCA told the GNA Sports in Accra on Friday that the new move by GTV is a refreshing one because it would enable Ghanaians all over the country to view the matches live.

GTV was initially proposing 3,000 dollars per a live coverage, which means that GHALCA would have to squeeze 36,000 dollars to pay for the 12 matches.

TV3 were subsequently given the nod without any financial strings attached but would benefit from advertisements during the coverage.

Mr Fianoo said GTV's new demand is being studied and soon, a decision would be taken.

Meanwhile, GHALCA has brought on board SCANCOM Ghana Limited, operators of spacefon, which is pumping in 300 million cedis.

The association is also in touch with LG Electronics, title sponsors of the last edition, to be part of the deal.

Soft drink giant Coca Cola is the new title sponsor with 1.2 billion cedis.

Mr Fianoo reckons that an earlier target of 750 million cedis set for LG would have to be reviewed and possibly scaled down to 300 million cedis just as in the case of SCANCOM because "LG were the first to give us the kiss of love, and as such, must not be left out".

GHALCA is targeting two billion cedis for the event, which will be preceded by a historical launch to be beamed live on TV. Top football gurus including Danny Jordan from the South African FA are expected to grace the occasion on December 18, this year.

The two top teams at the end of the GHALC Top Four are likely to play against their counterparts from the South African Top Eight competition possibly in Accra in June.