President John Mahama has pledged a Ghc1.7m (about $571,910) ‘token’ to be shared amongst former Black Stars players who won laurels for the nation.

The amount will be shared amongst members of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations winning squads of 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982, the President has instructed.

This pledge was made by the President during a state ball to bid the Black Stars farewell as they embark on their third successive campaign at a World Cup this June in Brazil.

“I salute these heroes from the 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982 squads that won laurels for Ghana in those days,” President Mahama said at the state function.

“It is said that a nation that does not honour its heroes is a nation not worth dying for.

“I don’t believe in curses and I don’t believe that any of you has cast a curse on this country.

“As a token for our gratitude for the service you gave to your country, I wish to assure you that your services have not been forgotten and I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Finance to make Ghc1.7m available for you,” President Mahama said.

“As a token of appreciation for the work you did for us during this period and I hope that you will accept for those of you alive and for those of you gone, the families will accept the little that will be shared amongst you as a big thank you from the government and the people of Ghana,” he added.

The President’s pledge comes in handy following a series of complaints from ex-players of unfulfilled promises by the state after bringing joy and honour to the nation through past Nations Cup triumphs.

Some of these heroes are now living like paupers while others die miserable deaths over lack of resources to foot expensive medical bills.

They will now have something substantial on which to build their lives on while the families of those who have passed away benefit from the sweat and toil of their relatives who served the nation with distinction.