Black Maidens: Kofi Adams' bonus comments have hit players' morale - Nana Joe Adarkwa

Black Maidens head coach Nana Joe Adarkwa says comments by Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams over the payment of bonuses and per diems have affected the morale of some of his players during Ghana's campaign at the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup.

The Minister recently said the Black Maidens are not owed any outstanding bonuses or per diems, explaining that the Sports Ministry is not responsible for such payments during qualification competitions.

According to Adams, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is responsible for players' allowances at the qualification stage, while the Ministry takes over when a team reaches an approved major international tournament, such as the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Adarkwa, however, believes the remarks have unsettled members of his squad, arguing that financial incentives remain an important source of motivation for players representing the country.

Speaking on Asempa FM, the coach questioned why the Black Princesses had received financial support while the Black Maidens had not.

"What the Minister said concerning the Maidens' per diems and bonuses dampened some of the girls' spirits," Adarkwa said.

"Every player knows that if they play ball, they get their per diem and bonuses for qualifying for the World Cup. If the Ministry can pay the Under-20, why can't they pay the Under-17?"

Adarkwa also defended the credentials of coaches working with Ghana's youth national teams, rejecting suggestions that coaching at junior level should be viewed differently.

"The coaches who coach the under categories have qualification certificates," he said.

"Whether you coach women's football or not, it's the same game being played. Coaching women's football, I will say, might be harder."

The Black Maidens are using the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

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

Ghana began the competition with an impressive 4-0 victory over Burkina Faso before losing 4-2 to Nigeria in their second Group C match.

The team had already secured qualification for the World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside Brazil, Norway and Canada in Group C.

Despite the off-field distraction, Adarkwa insists his players remain determined to represent Ghana with pride.

"We will not lose hope over what was said. We will continue to play football that will lift the flag high," he added.

"We will psych them up for the three remaining games and see where we finish."

Ghana are currently second in Group C and will look to return to winning ways when they face Togo on Monday.