The Ghana Olympic Committee has been backed at the Rio 2016 Olympics by the Ghana National Petroleum Coroporation ©GOC

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has been backed at the Rio 2016 Olympics by the Ghana National Petroleum Coroporation (GNPC).

The firm has sponsored the delegation's travel costs for the Games in Brazil, in a move said to signal "a broader scope of support for sports".

GNPC said they hoped in particular to help nurture the next generation of Ghanaian talent, to ensure the country is well equipped at not only Rio 2016 but also Tokyo 2020.

Alexander Mould, chief executive of GNPC, said: "The Olympics are the world’s biggest spectacle and we are proud to play our part to ensure that Ghana participates. 

"Although most people associate us with football, GNPC is already expanding its scope across sports, and working with key stakeholders to identify where we can make the most impact through infrastructure, partnerships and initiatives. 

"We are already sponsoring the Ghana’s Fastest Human competition, to help produce formidable athletes that can feed into a sustained Olympic programme for Ghana."

Ghana have had their travel expenses taken care of ahead of Rio ©Getty Images
Ghana have had their travel expenses taken care of ahead of Rio ©Getty Images

Professor Francis Dodo, the President of the GOC, said that looking ahead four years to Tokyo was a key aim.

"The current Ghana Olympics squad comprises mostly of young athletes with an average age of 22 years," he said. 

"We believe exposure at the Rio Olympics will develop them further to make a bigger impact in 2020. 

"We also have the fastest female 100 metre quartet in Africa, who have recorded the fastest time ever. 

"All of this means that we have a great future ahead."

Nii Lante Vanderpuye, the Minister for Youth and Sports, added: "On behalf of the Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we wish to express our sincere thanks to the Board and Management of GNPC for responding to our appeal to support Team Ghana. 

"This patriotic act hopefully would be an example to other Corporate institutions to emulate".