Appiah, Essien Clinch MTN Deal

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah and his England-based compatriot Michael Essien have signed lucrative deals to promote the various brands of MTN Group, the continental telecommunication giants.

The Turkey-based midfielder and the Chelsea star will promote the activities of the continent's biggest telecommunication outfit.

The two Ghanaian icons are the first players to clinch a deal with MTN, who are the biggest sponsors of football in Africa.

MTN, who are the main sponsors of the 26th edition of the MTN Africa Cup of Nations, to be hosted in Ghana next January, are also the key sponsors of the MTN CAF Champions League.

“We are pleased to announce that Ghana captain Stephen Appiah and his compatriot Michael Essien will be promoting the activities of MTN,” Garth Hewitt, MTN Senior Manager in charge of Sponsorship, said on a visit to Ghana.

“It is the first time footballers have been used and we are pleased that these great players have come on board as MTN continues to support the growth of football in Africa.”

Apart from sponsoring the main continental football tournaments, MTN also sponsor various national teams and club across the continent.

“The reason why I agreed to support the activities of MTN is that they are the most committed outfit supporting the development of the football across the continent,” Ghana captain Stephen Appiah said.

“It is therefore incumbent upon me and Mike (Essien) to support their activities so they are encouraged to do more for national teams and clubs as well as other football events that they are supporting in Africa.

“MTN's involvement in African football has brought positive changes to the game and we want to give a hand for them to do for the game's development in Africa.”

George Andah, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Ghana, accompanied Hewitt on his tour of the West African country as they seek to facilitate arrangements which will lead to a successful hosting of the continent's premier football event next year.

The MTN delegation also visited the Accra Sports Stadium, which is under renovation for the tournament, and also conferred with officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Kwesi Nyantakyi, president of GFA, acknowledged MTN's contributions to the success of the Black Stars, which he said will boost their quest of winning a record fifth title next year.