Black Maidens not owed per diems or bonuses ahead of World Cup - Sports Minister Kofi Adams

Ghana's Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says the Black Maidens are not owed any outstanding bonuses or per diems as they prepare for next month's 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

Nana Joe Adarkwa's side secured their place at the tournament after overcoming the effects of a CAF ban imposed in 2022 and are currently competing in the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup as part of their preparations.

The regional competition also serves as a qualifier for the inaugural U-17 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to Asempa FM, Adams said the Ministry of Sports and Recreation is not responsible for paying per diems during qualifying campaigns, with that responsibility falling to the Ghana Football Association.

"For the U-17, I am not aware of any bonus that is due to them. We don't owe them any per diem," Adams said.

"At a certain stage, the Ghana Football Association is responsible for those activities."

He explained that the ministry only assumes responsibility once the team enters an officially sanctioned major tournament, such as the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

"Once they go into a tournament that is approved, like a world-level tournament, then the ministry comes in. They haven't reached there yet; they are in WAFU Zone B now, playing in some qualifiers," added the Buem MP.

The Black Maidens began their WAFU B campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Burkina Faso and will face Nigeria in their next Group C fixture on Saturday.

At the World Cup in Morocco, Ghana have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Norway and Canada.