ACCRA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's president John Dramani Mahama has intervened to have the Black Stars world cup appearance fees paid by Wednesday afternoon.
The Ghanaian leader waded into the matter after agitation from the Black Stars players over their appearance fees for the tournament which has not been paid since the start of the competition.
The Black Stars had refused to fly out from their camp base in Maceio to Brasilia for Thursday's must-win clash against Portugal.
President Mahama personally spoke to the players to assure them that the money will be paid by Wednesday afternoon which has brought assurance to the team.
"Government is pre-financing the payment of the Black Stars appearance fees which will be reimbursed when FIA's prize-money for Ghana's participation in the world cup is paid after the tournament in Brazil," the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said in a statement received here on Wednesday.
"We wish to assure the general public following president Mahama's intervention the Black Stars are in high spirits ahead of Thursday's match last Group G match against Portugal," it said.
The Black Stars need a comprehensive win over the European powerhouse to have any chance of advancing to the round of 16.
