Black Queens coach Björkegren owed 13 months' salary, says GFA president Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has revealed that Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has gone 13 months without receiving his salary.

Okraku made the revelation on Wednesday, November 4, when he appeared before Parliament's Select Committee on Youth and Sports, where he highlighted the financial challenges facing Ghanaian football and the need for a sustainable funding structure.

According to the GFA president, the Swedish tactician is not the only national team coach affected by salary arrears, with the coach of Ghana's Olympic team also reportedly owed 12 months' wages.

"The coach of the Black Queens, today is the acting coach of the Black Stars, has not been paid for 13 months. Thirteen months. The coach of our Olympic team has not been paid for 12 months. And the list can go on and on and on and on," Okraku told the committee.

He used the opportunity to advocate dedicated revenue streams for the proposed Sports Fund, arguing that consistent financial support is essential to meeting the growing demands of sports administration in the country.

Okraku explained that the GFA's financial responsibilities extend beyond the senior national teams, with the association required to provide resources for several national sides and different football disciplines.

These include the U-15, U-17, U-20 and U-23 national teams, the senior men's and women's teams, as well as beach soccer and futsal.

"That's why when I spoke about a sports fund, I said it's a good thing, but we need more dedicated revenue streams coming in to the sports front because football is heavily capital intensive," he added.

The GFA president believes a more reliable funding arrangement would help the association settle outstanding salaries, support technical teams and ensure the effective management of Ghana's national teams.

Björkegren was appointed Black Queens head coach in 2025, replacing Nora Hauptle, and has since been handed additional responsibility as interim coach of the Black Stars.

The Swedish trainer has been tasked with leading Ghana's senior men's team for their upcoming double-header against Somalia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

He will be assisted by Godwin Attram, Ibrahim Tanko and former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda for the Matchday 3 and 4 encounters scheduled for later this month.