Ghana’s Minister for Sports Mahama Ayariga has presented a cheque of 1.7 million cedis ($540,000 US dollars) to four generations of Black Stars players in fulfilment of promises for winning the Africa Cup of Nations titles.
The gesture was to serve as a compensation for the players, who were given various unfilled promises by previous governments for winning laurels for the country.
The amount will be shared among members of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations winning squads of 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
Ayariga said he was proud to be associated with the old players, whose achievements established Ghana as a powerful football nation.
“Your commitment, hard work and dedication towards the national flag have made Ghana what it is today,” he said.
“Your names were household names in those days, even though some of us who were not born then, take great pride in your achievements.
“It is our firm conviction that, this humble gesture will serve as due compensation for your efforts in the past”. He stated.
Ibrahim Sunday, Chairman of the Retired National Footballers Association (RENFAG), expressed appreciation to the minister for continuing the good works of the ex-minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah.
“At long last the over 36 years of wait is over. Though some of our colleagues did not live to see this memorable day, am sure their souls will be happy,” Sunday said.
Ayariga said the government in partnership with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will set up a fund for the ex-players who brought glory to the nation.
The money has come in handy following series of complaints from ex players of unfulfilled promises by the state after bringing joy and honor to the nation through past Nations Cup triumphs.
Some of these heroes are now living like paupers while others died in misery over lack of resources to foot expensive medical bills.
The Black Stars have remained in a trophy drought since they last won the Championship in Libya in 1982.
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