Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has dismissed reports claiming he encouraged the Black Queens to boycott their upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt over unpaid bonuses.
The Black Queens have refused to train in protest over outstanding payments from their 2024 WAFCON campaign in Morocco, where each player is reportedly owed $9,500 in bonuses.
Speculation mounted earlier in the week that Adams had told the players they could proceed with their boycott and would later be replaced if sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) followed.
But speaking to Asempa FM, the Sports Minister firmly rejected the allegations, describing them as false and “shocking.”
“Why would I say that? Why would I spend my time driving all the way to their camp and tell them they can boycott if they want to?” Adams questioned. “So this morning, we are shocked to see those stories. I may not blame the players entirely,” he added.
The minister warned, however, that any decision to boycott could have lasting consequences for the individuals involved.
“If they insist, it will affect the nation, but the nation will recover. As for those involved, you will forever walk with that tag,” he cautioned.
The standoff has cast a shadow over Ghana’s preparations for the decisive second leg against Egypt, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana go into the match with a 3–0 first-leg advantage, but uncertainty over the team’s participation threatens to derail their bid to qualify for the 2026 WAFCON, a tournament that also serves as the qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
