By Rachel Kakraba
The dream of Ghana’s Senior National football team, the Black Stars to become world football champions ended very early in the tournament, but the unflinching and unwavering support received by well-meaning Ghanaians, cannot be glossed over. The team received immense support from especially corporate Ghana.
One institution that remained relentless in mobilizing support for the Stars is the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC. It was a move to ensure the Stars succeed in the quest to become champions. Aside from securing the broadcasting rights, which has seen Ghanaians follow keenly activities in Qatar, it again rallied support for the Black Stars through its innovation, the fan park. Located off Ring Road Central, the road leading to the headquarters of the Corporation was beautifully adorned with banners of all its television channels and regional FM stations.
At the forecourt of its outer reception is a well-thought-through arranged live band music stand of the Ghana Immigration Service, which provided some soothing music to calm nerves when it mattered most. In the same space is a stand for club beer. The icing on the cake was the giant screen where live matches are enjoyed, at no cost to patrons as well as tight security.
As a fan park, the Corporation could not have gotten it wrong to mount other recreational stands where patrons could have some little time for fun before or after matches.
The initiative was one that gained the interest of Ghanaians as it gradually saw the numbers soar. Ahead of a crucial last group H match between Ghana and Uruguay GBC NEWS chanced on this group Esther’s Multimedia as they rehearsed a victory choreography dance in anticipation of a win for the Black stars, in what was a make-or-break affair for both teams. Speaking in an interview with the news team, the group were convinced the Fan Park by the corporation was one designed with them in mind.
Ama “The decision to create the fan park is very laudable. It is only my wish we win the cup”
Queen Esther “I have enjoyed myself, I’m happy for my people. I want the Black Stars to win the Cup for Ghana so that everybody can be happy like me. It is the best”
Asieduaa “I know as a result of this massive support the cup is already in Ghana, it is a reason we are over-excited. I sincerely think this fan park was created for us.”
Ernest “GBC has done a lot because it’s not any TV station that will do this for us. GTV is having live band, things are happening, it gives motivation. Those there themselves they know we are doing something, at least with this we will go far”
Traders such as Adiza Umaru, did not mince words with how the innovation translated into good sales. Madam Umaru’s only wish was for the Black Stars to have progressed in the competition to sustain the excitement and most especially good sales that came along with Black Stars matches.
“A lot of people come here to watch the matches and sales are usually good. On that fateful Friday, when we didn’t win the match against Uruguay, although it was a loss for Ghana, yet sales was very good”
She said even with the ousting of the stars, people continued to troop to the forecourt of the GBC to watch other games.
“People have been coming to enquire whether more matches would be shown here, because of the excitement creation of the fan park brought to us. It is good to sustain it”
The excitement that the GBC Fan Park brought Ghanaians was enough to conclude that with the needed push from the team Ghanaians are ever willing to throw their support against the Black Stars. Corporate Ghana must be commended for its selflessness towards the stars. Football is indeed the passion of the nation. The team can only be wished well in future endeavours, as their success usually has direct and indirect benefits on business.