Sports Ministry clarifies Black Queens bonuses, per diems and welfare concerns

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has rejected claims that the Black Queens are owed outstanding per diem payments, insisting that all approved allowances due to the team have been settled.

The clarification follows a statement attributed to players of Ghana’s senior women’s national team raising concerns over unpaid bonuses, per diems, welfare and government support during the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In a press statement dated August 12, 2026, the Ministry said it respected the players’ right to raise concerns about their welfare and entitlements but stressed the need for the public to have accurate information regarding the government’s financial commitments to the team.

The Ministry stated that players and eligible officials received their per diems in advance on July 29, covering the period from July 26 to August 7.

It added that, following the team’s quarter-final elimination and its continued stay in Morocco for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in pathway, a further per diem payment was made on August 11 to cover the additional period from August 8 to 14.

“Accordingly, as of 12 August 2026, Government has no outstanding per diem obligation to the Black Queens,” the Ministry said.

• Winning bonus being processed

On winning bonuses, the Ministry said the Black Queens recorded one victory during the WAFCON group stage, against Cape Verde, and therefore earned one winning bonus from the group phase.

It explained that winning bonuses are processed separately from per diems and are paid directly into the bank accounts of players and eligible officials after the necessary documentation, statutory deductions and other financial procedures have been completed.

The Ministry said the bonus earned from the victory over Cape Verde was therefore being processed in accordance with the established procedure.

The government also addressed claims concerning an alleged outstanding WAFCON qualification bonus, particularly those relating to Ghana’s qualifying matches against Egypt.

According to the Ministry, Ghana’s qualification for WAFCON through the home-and-away qualifying rounds does not attract a separate qualification bonus under the current sports financing framework.

It said the government nevertheless covers approved costs associated with the qualification process, including per diems and other operational expenses.

The Ministry further stated that there had been no government approval for winning bonuses for the WAFCON qualifying matches against Egypt and, consequently, such payments could not be considered an outstanding government obligation.

• Ministry defends welfare arrangements

The Ministry also responded to concerns over the welfare, health and mental well-being of the Black Queens.

It said the team is currently supported by a comprehensive management and technical structure comprising a team manager, team administrator, two physiotherapists, a medical doctor, a nurse, a dietitian, a chef, two management team members and other technical officials.

According to the Ministry, the structure provides medical, nutritional, administrative and general welfare support throughout the tournament.

It added that legitimate additional welfare needs brought to the attention of team management are addressed promptly, while the Ministry’s accountant attached to the team facilitates approved payments for needs arising outside the regular operational arrangements.

The Ministry said it remains committed to addressing specific welfare concerns through the appropriate channels while ensuring that the players receive the support needed to concentrate on representing Ghana.

• Focus shifts to Côte d’Ivoire play-in

The Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Black Queens and the development of women’s football, saying it would continue to provide support within the approved framework.

With Ghana preparing for a crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification play-in against Côte d’Ivoire, the Ministry urged attention to shift towards helping the team secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

“The Ministry believes that the immediate national priority should be to provide the team with the environment, encouragement and support required to pursue qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027,” the statement said.

The Ministry encouraged all concerns relating to financial entitlements and player welfare to be addressed accurately and transparently through the appropriate institutional channels.

It concluded by reiterating that the government remains firmly behind the Black Queens and wished the team success in its bid to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Ministry’s clarification comes after it publicly expressed its support for the Black Queens ahead of their WAFCON campaign, with Sports Minister Kofi Adams assuring the team that the government, Parliament and the Ghanaian people were behind them.