The
West African country is highly excited at the third appearance and Ghanaians
are gearing up for full representation at the football event.
For
most Ghanaians, the peak of their excitement lies in seeing the country’s
senior national team, the Black Stars, go to the very finals and most
importantly win the much-cherished World Cup trophy.
Ghana
made an impressive mark in South Africa 2010 and the pride of the country was
up high globally, but the country failed to adequately take advantage of the
tournament to market and brand the sporting and economic potentials to attract foreign
investments.
“In
the past two World Cups, I don’t think we were able to milk the positives, in
terms of branding and positioning the nation Ghana as a brand that has
potential not only as a football nation but in investment and sports tourism,”
admits Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Minister of Youth and Sports.
He
however wants the 2014 World Cup to be an exception. According to him, a concept
paper is being finalized to promote the county’s sports tourism and investment
potentials in Brazil.
A
team of interest groups, including media, sports personalities and business
community will work together to work with the concept paper, which will include
establishing a ‘Ghanaian Village’ to engage tourist and investor’ interest in
Brazil through series of events and fairs.
“We’re
going to use the platform of the World Cup as an avenue to create awareness
about Ghana and brand Ghana so that the brand value that we’re going to derive
from the team would make an impact on the country,” stated the Minister.
Story
by Kofi Adu Domfeh
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