OMP fulfils pledge…Gives GH¢150,000 as first installment for league

Fast-improving PR firm - Optimum Media Prime (OMP), yesterday presented GH¢150,000.00 cheque to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in fulfillment of its pledge to the Football governing body.

The amount, which is the first installment of the GH ¢600,000.00 that OMP has voted for the 2009/2010 league season among others, seeks to raise the bar of the local league to an astronomical height.

In his acceptance speech, the President of the GFA, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi copiously praised OMP for dutifully honouring their contract, saying “The money has come at a most opportune time because it will go a long way to support the day to day running of the clubs.

“The clubs are excited that OMP is supporting them financially. We are yet to receive money from our title sponsors, which would soon be due, and I believe this will help a lot,” said the FA boss.

He pointed out that OMP's high level of professionalism has stirred his outfit to maintain the already healthy relationship they are enjoying.

The CEO of OMP Mr. Fadi Fattal revealed that “It is our firm believe that our contribution to the GPL, both monetary and production terms, syndication and marketing of the league will go a very long way to making our league better and contribute to the development of our country.”

He added that “We have also just reached an agreement with BEN Television (Bright Entertainment Network) to show the GPL on SKY TV channel 184 in the UK, on a delayed basis, starting this weekend, and will go live by the second round in 2010.”

According to Mr. Fattal, his outfit's major challenge is their inability to telecast the GPL locally this year, as it cost OMP at least$40,000 a week to produce the league, apart from the $400,000 rights fees that they pay to the GFA.

“Last year, Metro TV made some contribution while OMP subsidized the cost to ensure that the games were shown in Ghana,” said the OMP boss. OMP signed a two and half season contract with the FA last year, when GBS folded up by paying GH¢300,000.00 for a half season, and has pledged to improve on it to GH¢800,000.00 for the 2010/2011 season.