<<Print>>

The seven-member Presidential Committee formed to coordinate donations from individuals and corporate bodies to the victorious FIFA World Cup Under-20 team, the Black Satellites has been inaugurated in Accra on Monday. The Committee is headed by Oko Nikoi Djanie, Chairman of the Ghana Hockey Association (GHA), with Mr Kojo Bonsu - a Businessman, Nii Lantei Vanderpuije - Presidential Aid, Wolonyo Agrah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC), Helen Annan - Office of the President, Kwasi Nyantakyi - President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Prof. Francis Dodoo, Chairman of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA). The Committee by its terms of reference is to receive donations both in cash and as well as products for the team, make recommendations for its disbursements to the team and to advise the government on the nature of package to be presented to the team after winning the 2009 Federation of International Football Association (GFA) FIFA World Cup. It is expected to complete its work on November 9, 2009. Oko Djanie at a press conference in Accra said the Committee has tasked two banks in the country, Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) which has nation-wide network to receive the donations. This, he said was to ensure that Ghanaians across the country and in all the regions contribute their quota towards the team's historic feat. Oko Djanie said individuals and organizations can make donations to the account numbers 1011130036489 (GCB) and 1161000007957 (ADB), adding that the Committee has opened a secretariat at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra, to facilitate its work. He said the Committee will after its work submit its recommendations to the government with a well documented account on the monies and products received to ensure accountability. Oko Djanie added that the various Regional Coordinating Committees have also been tasked to receive donations on behalf of the Committee. Mr Nyatakyie said the achievement of the team is worth celebrating since it is the first on the continent. He said the team since its return from Egypt has received global appeal for tours to various parts of the world, adding that plans are in place for them to embark on such tours even though majority of the players have gone back to their bases. The FA President appealed to Ghanaians to make donations to the team in recognition of the honour they have brought to the nation. The Satellites have since their return received donations from Gemini Life Insurance Company (GLICO), First Atlantic Bank Ghana Limited, Strong Plast Ghana Limited as well as from other individuals.