Kimmie Weeks - Cellcom Is Disappointed

LFA Chairman Musa bility and Avishai Marciano [Cellcom Chief Executive Officer

The Communications Strategist of Cellcom GSM, Dr. Kimmie Weeks says the company is disappointed with the manner and form in which the sponsorship of the match involving the national teams of Liberia and Ghana was "unfairly" given to its industry rival LoneStar Cell MTN.

Cellcom GSM has been a long-standing sponsor of football in Liberia over the last two years. It can be recalled that the company signed a long-term partnership with the Liberia Football Association (LFA) to sponsor the national team of Liberia, the Lone Star and the country's national leagues.

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, September 11, 2012, Dr. Weeks said this agreement essentially made Cellcom the "sole" sponsor of the national team and leagues. However, he said as company was shocked over the weekend that a private company had sold a private right of sponsorship of football to its (Cellcom) competitor (LoneStar Cell MTN).

He disclosed that all efforts to have this amicably resolved proved futile. Speaking further, he alleged that MTN (LoneStar Cell) went at Samuel Kanyan Doe (SKD) Sports Stadium and "unceremoniously" removed its banners, promos and insignia from in and around the Sports Complex.

He also alleged that MTN (LoneStar Cell) representatives also forced Cellcom's representatives to leave the complex.

However, when contracted, LoneStar Cell MTN through its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Mr. Clement Ofori Asante denied any involvement of his company in tearing down or removing Cellcom banners, promos and insignia from the SKD Sports Complex.

He said as a responsible company, LoneStar Cell MTN will not engage in such an act. "We did remove Cellcom's banners or any property of Cellcom from the SKD. We are a responsible company, and will never get involved in such an act," said Mr. Asante.