Pay All Per Diem Due Black Stars - Prez. Mills Orders

President John Evans Atta Mills on Saturday June 12 issued a directive asking that the Black Stars be paid all their per diems for the duration of the tournament.

President Mills announced this when he visited the Black Stars during their training session at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria, ahead of their Sunday encounter with Serbia.

His Excellency the President once again congratulated Skipper Stephen Appiah and his teammates for doing the nation proud for making it to the World Cup back-to-back.

“You have done yourself and the nation proud and the whole of Ghana is going to be stretching every sinew to support you tomorrow as you play your first game against Serbia” President Atta Mills said.

“I will be up there in the stands and you can be sure that I will be the chief supporter” President Atta Mills added. His Excellency the President advised the players to play as a team and stick to the coach’s game plan.

“Individually, you are all skillful but the only way you can win and progress, is by playing as a team. Teamwork is very critical” said the President.

As regards discipline, President Mills advised the players to manage their temperament on the field of play and be cautious especially with their tackles.

“I know that you are determined to bring glory to Ghana and so will do everything possible to defend the flag. But please be mindful of the fact that the game is governed by rules” was the President’s caution to the Black Stars. As an added incentive and motivation, His Excellency President Atta Mills directed that the players be paid per diem covering the duration of the tournament.

On his part, Skipper Stephen Appiah, on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the President for his visit and his words of inspiration.

“Your presence here is a source of strong motivation and we are assuring you that we will not disappoint you and the nation” Stephen Appiah said.

“We are very much aware of the onerous responsibility on our shoulders and we shall endeavour not to let Ghana down” the Skipper added.

Stephen also thanked the President for directing that they be paid per diem lasting the whole tournament irrespective of whether the team makes it to the final or not.

“Your gesture is very much appreciated and you have proven to us once again that you are truly the father of the nation. We will not let you down” Stephen Appiah added.

Before leaving Loftus Park, President Atta Mills presented each player with a personalized framed picture of the President holding the Cup when it arrived in Ghana, with the inscription, “With determination and self-belief, you can bring the cup back home. Ghana is solidly behind you”.

The President also congratulated the Technical Team for a good work done so far and wished them all the best as they plunge headlong into the tournament with the game against Serbia.