Ministry recognises only one Supporters Union

Accra, May 4, GNA - Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports has said that the ministry currently recognises only the Ghana National Supporters Union (GNSU) as main union to support the national teams.

He said even though the ministry does not frown on the formation of other splinter groups, it prefers the amalgamation of all the Supporter Unions in the country under one umbrella to aid in the better control of such groups during periods of competition and travel.

Mr Amoah said this during the signing of a 450 million cedi sponsorship deal between the GNSU and Coca Cola at the ministries on Thursday, the Minister said it has taken the ministry too much time for them to bring all the other splinter groups under one umbrella and it is time for them to be strengthened to perform their job of supporting the national teams to their utmost ability.

He said money from the Coca-Cola deal would be put into a fund under the ministry with the leaders of the group being signatories to ensure prudent management of any money that comes into the kitty. Mr Amoah employed other companies and corporate bodies to join in and contribute to the fund to ensure that the Supporters accompany all the national teams on their travels to cheer them up since support plays an important part in professional sports.

He further urged the supporters to comport themselves where-ever they go and that they should have it at the back of their minds that the moment they appear in the national colours they have to be worthy ambassadors of the country.

Mr Philipe Ayivor, Franchise Director of Coca Cola for Equatorial Africa said the funds for the supporters union would be taken from the soccer mania promotion "an instant win, no draws" consumer reward programme for the brand of Coca Cola alone.

He said the promotion would seek to create fun and excitement amongst the soccer loving fans of Ghana prior to the World Cup. Mr Ayivor said Coca Cola in Ghana is very proud to be sponsors of this initiative under the slogan "We all Speak football" adding that it is important that we recognise the loyal Supporters Union. Mr Abraham Boakye, President of GNSU thanked Coca Cola for their initiative and asked other companies to follow suit. 04 May 2006