Ghanaians now have an opportunity to watch the African Cup of Nations live on national television.

A government statement released yesterday stated that the rights for the state broadcaster, GTV.

Government’s intervention ends the debate and the anxiety of soccer fans over whether the Nations Cup will be live on local television networks or not.

The government statement further said any organisation that wished to broadcast the tournament would be expected to liaise with GBC for the rights.

The statement said GBC should ensure that it secured sponsorship towards defraying the cost involved in securing the rights to the broadcast.

The decision was taken at a meeting between the Ministries of Finance and Economic Planning, Education and Sports and that of Communications and Technology following assurance from the state broadcaster, GBC that it could make profit from the purchase.

The television right was acquired for one million euros from the Beninios rights holders LC 2 instead of the initial 870,000 euros required.

The increase in the amount was due to Ghana’s inability to meet the January 12 deadline set for payment.

The Government’s intervention ends plans by the four major television networks to raise the amount to rebroadcast the games, which begin today.