Accra, Dec. 31, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday fulfilled his promise to the Black Satellites by presenting them with their package for their victorious feat at the last FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Satellites beat Brazil 4-3 on penalties to become the first African side to lift the ultimate at the championships n Egypt since its inception in 1977.
For the historic feat, President Mills announced a package worth 750,000 US Dollars which includes a brand new Toyota Corolla Saloon Car for each member of the playing body as well as an investment bond worth 10,000 Ghana Cedis, which will mature to 163,000 Ghana Cedis after 15 years. Dr Valerie Sawyer, Deputy Chief of Staff on behalf of the President presented keys to the Toyota 1.6 Saloon Cars to each of the members of the 21-playing body.
Two other officials, head coach Sellas Tetteh and Jordan Anagbla, Chairman of the Black Satellites Management Committee were each presented with a brand new Toyota 1.8 Saloon car.
Dr Sawyer said the first part of the four segment package also deals with the registration of the cars to be customised with the jersey number of each particular player which has reached an advanced stage whilst Gemini Life Insurance Company (GLICO) will provide insurance cover for each of the vehicles.
The Deputy Chief of Staff explained that the second segment will see 10 other officials of the team, made up of members of the technical committee and the Management Committee, have their 5,000 US Dollars package upgraded to a brand new Kia Picanto vehicle for each official.
She said the latest development was upon the recommendation of the Donation Committee and that the cars will be presented to each of the officials in due course.
Dr Sawyer also handed cheques for 187,000 Ghana Cedis and 10,000 US Dollars, being monies realised from donations by institutions and the general public to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for onward disbursement to the Black Satellites team.
She also presented certificates of the investment bond of 10,000 Ghana Cedis expected to mature to 163,000 Ghana cedis in 15 years to each of the players, adding that each beneficiary will cash in on 100,000 Ghana Cedis in case of force majeure (ill health, death or accident). The Deputy Chief of Staff advised the players to remain focus and level headed to achieve desired goals.
Kwesi Nyantakyi, GFA President commended the Government for fulfilling its promise to the victorious Black Satellites team. He described the value and quantum of the presentation as unprecedented in the annals of Ghana soccer, adding that it will serve as a moral booster to the younger generation interested in football and sports in general.