Ghana National Petroleum Corporation - GNPC has become the first state-owned organisation to sign up as sponsor of the senior men's national team.

A $3 million per year contact for a period between 3-5 years was signed Friday between the Ghana Football Association and the Corporation which partners with the international petroleum industry to enable Ghana find and develop oil and gas resources.

The contract, which is renewable will see GNPC become the headline sponsor of the Black Stars.

"This sponsorship from GNPC will go a long way. This will alleviate the financial burden on government and also motivate the players and boost their morale in winning the tournament (Africa Cup of Nations)," GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi said.

"With this support from and indigenous company, the players and the technical team, which is also headed by a Ghanaian will know that the whole nation is behind them."

Nana Boakye Asafu-Adjaye, CEO of GNPC expressed his outfits happiness with their association with the Black Stars and said the partnership is in consonance with GNPC's values.

In keeping with accountability and transparency, both parties have agreed the sponsorship will:

- Operate a joint account called 'The Black Stars Trust' with signatories from both sides.

- Form a six-member joint implementation committee with three representatives from each side to oversee and ensure the smooth running of activities and furnishing both parties with reports.