The Black Stars have been promised a $30,000 prize each if they qualify for the next stage of the ongoing Nations Cup, reports say.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Rashid Pelpuo made the promise at the end of the team’s training session on Wednesday.

The Stars must beat Ivory Coast on Friday and make certain their quarter final berth with a match against Burkina Faso to spare.

Touted as the Group of death, the complexion of Group B has changed dramatically with the unfortunate departure of Togo after three of her delegation were shot dead by rebels two days to the start of the tournament.

With the Group’s opener between favorites Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso ending goalless, the Ivorians face an ominous threat of a first round exit if they lose against Ghana.

Coach Milovan Rajevac told Joy Sports’ Ridwan Ibrahim Asante in far away Angola that he is unfazed with the stardom attribute of the Ivorians, saying his injury-ravaged ‘starless’-side will be up to the task.

Chelsea star Michael Essien joined his colleagues in camp on Wednesday, but it is unclear whether he will have a starting role on Friday.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana