President announces $25k package for Black Stars.

President John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday, announced a $25,000-dollar package each for all the Black Stars players and Technical team for placing second in the just-ended African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

He said that package was from the Ghana National Petroleum Company, Head sponsor of the National team, while other packages from other sponsors would soon be announced.

President Mahama announced the package, when he hosted the players and technical team at a breakfast meeting at the Flagstaff House, Kanda.

Also at the programme were; Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, Mr Prosper Douglas Bani, Chief of Staff, Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Youth and Sports, and other state officials.

President Mahama said the National team had recaptured the hearts of Ghanaians after losing their shine in the 2014 World Cup Competition where they performed abysmally to the chagrin of all.

“You have redeemed yourselves in the eyes of Ghanaians… And I know there is hope for this team to win higher laurels in future,” he said.

He commended Avram Grant, Head Coach of the team for this tactical influence in all the matches.

“Ghanaians have hope and confidence in you to prepare the team for the next tournament,” he said

“You made a respectable impact in the African cup of Nations and we expect you to put up the same or better performance in the next African cup of Nations and World Cup competitions.”

Vice President Amissah-Arthur appealed to the technical team to follow the exploits and performance of all the players to have a good team for subsequent tournaments.

“Though you missed the cup, you were the giants in all respect of the tournament,” he said.

The Blacks Stars placed second in the just-ended tournament, sweeping all other trophies and best player of the match awards before losing 8-9 on penalties to their Western neighbours- Ivory Coast in the final match.

GNA