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Transfers of Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Source: THE SPORTS BRAND

Supersport sign Ghana's Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

Just days after the landmark sponsorship deal between the Ghana Football Association and pay-television broadcaster SuperSport, ace Ghanaian journalist Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah has been snapped up as the main anchor for the live Sunday telecasts.

Former BBC presenter Ampofo Ankrah anchored the super clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko which marked the official commencement of the contract between the GFA and the South African based sports media giant. SuperSport will also produce all Premier League and FA Cup matches for broadcast under the agreement.

Supersport sealed a three-year deal with the GFA to acquire the exclusive broadcast rights to the Ghana Premier League, the country’s top football division, and FA Cup knockout competition. The deal will run from 2013-14 through 2015-16 seasons.

The agreement marks the first time an international broadcaster has acquired the rights to the domestic Premier League. The package for Ghana Football is set to run for three years and it is reported to be worth US$ 2.1 million.

'It is going to give our league a wider international coverage and dimension, it will give it more viewership and attention which will expose it to more marketing opportunities abroad,' According to FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi. On his part, Ampofo Ankrah who has had successful stints with Metro TV and TV3 noted that with team work, the deal would be a huge success. '' I don't see this as just a job but rather, an ambassadorial duty where we all have to project Ghana in the best possible light. I am sure the players, clubs and even supporters also feel the same so I am humbled to be part of this new beginning which will offer a solid platform for us to improve Ghana sports using football as the beacon''

In their quest to attract and build a formidable team, Supersport have also signed up renowned commentator and sports guru Kwabena Yeboah, presenter Michael Katahena, Multi media's Ibrahim Ridwan Asante and footyghana.comeditor Christopher Opoku.

According to SuperSport’s head of Africa, Andre Venter said Ghana has a tremendous football tradition and continues to produce great players, so they are delighted with the development. “The game in Ghana is strong and vibrant and we look forward to showcasing it on our channels.”

The agreement marks a new dimension in Ghana football since this is the first time an international broadcaster has bought the rights of the Ghana League. Last month, SuperSport also acquired the rights to the Nigerian Professional Football League under a four-year rights deal, for the 2015-16 season and the 2018-19 seasons.