The government has presented a total of US$150,000 to members of Ghana’s2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The presentation, made by the Minister of Youth and Sports (MoYS), Mustapha Ussif yesterday, was in fulfillment of the President’s promise to the team.
Ghana’s sole medalist at the Games, Samuel Takyi was presented with a brand new Nissan Sunny car, worth $20,000 plus a US$10,000 reward for winning bronze.
He was also presented with aUS$20,000 as career development fund.
All other athletes and coaches received US$5,000 each for their efforts.
In all 21 persons including 14 athletes and seven officials took part in the Games.
The Minister commended the team for making the nation proud by breaking their national and individual records.
He praised Takyi for his exceptional display that led to the winning of the bronze medal in 30 years.
He said preparations were ongoing for the African and Commonwealth Games with facilities set to be ready ahead of the 2023 African Games.
He thanked President Nana Akufo-Addo for his passion for sports and willingness to support the development of all disciplines in the country.
President of the Ghana Olympic Committee(GOC),Mr Ben Nunoo Mensah expressed appreciation to President Akufo-Addo for fulfilling his pledge to the team.
He also made a special appeal to government to make funds available to pay the debt owed by the boxing team during their preparations for the Tokyo Olympics.
Samuel Takyi on behalf of the athletes thanked President Akufo-Addofor the presentation which he said would go a long way to change their fortunes.
BY MICHAEL D.ABAYATEYE
