President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday received the Under-20 World Championship trophy won by the Black Satellites in Egypt and promised the team a special reward package.
He said the government was yet to announced the package because consultations were ongoing to ensure that �something substantial was provided as reward.
He, however, promised that it would be handsome and attractive package �that we can really use to say Ayekoo� to the players and technical team for the honour they have brought the country.
Addressing the team and their handlers, officials of the Ghana Football Association, retired footballers, Ministers of State and Members of the African Diplomatic Corps who were present in solidarity with Ghana, at the Castle Gardens, President Mills expressed the country�s appreciation to the Satellites and their handlers for the hardwork and victory.
The President also commended the GFA and all institutions and individuals who contributed to the success of the team, and commended the players especially for the sacrifice.
�Our prayers have been answered,� he said. The victory of the team, he said, provided a number of lessons for Ghanaians and Africans in stressing saying that the success of the coach, Sellas Tetteh, was a strong indication that Ghanaians and Africans were capable of managing their affairs.
In addition, he said the output of the players, demonstrated that with hardwork, dedications, selflessness and perseverance and God�s blessing, it was possible to achieve remarkable success.
�We believe that everything Ghanaian has to be supported,� he said, adding that local expertise can work to achieve desired results. �The victory of the Satellites shows that Africa is ready to unite and take its rightful place in the world,� he said, and lauded the solidarity from around the continent. He especially commended Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarrak, for publicly declaring his support for Ghana at the final, saying the victory was for the entire Africa.
President Mills lauded the fighting spirit of the players and reminded them of the challenges ahead as they were expected to graduate into the senior national tam, the Black Stars.
In view of the high standards they have set for themselves, President Mills noted that much would be expected to them, and expressed confidence in them to continue to deliver.
Andre Dede Ayew, the captain of the team, presenting the trophy to the President, expressed gratitude to the government and Ghanaians for their support and payers.
He especially thanked the government for the prompt payment of their bonuses �which put us in good shape for our games.�
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