Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has appealed for calm amid growing tensions in the Black Queens camp over unpaid bonuses and per diems ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Egypt.
The Black Queens, who secured a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory in Ismailia, are threatening to boycott Tuesday’s return fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium unless outstanding payments from their 2024 WAFCON campaign in Morocco are settled.
Reports suggest that the players are frustrated by what they see as the Sports Ministry and Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) failure to fulfil promises made after their third-place finish at last year’s tournament.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Minister Kofi Adams acknowledged the delays in payment but assured that steps were being taken to resolve the issue.
“In the case of the U-20, their per diems have not been paid,” he said. “We have not paid them for the AFCON they participated in Egypt, but all is in process. Once the Finance Ministry gives the release letter and the Controller and Accountant General credits the account, we will honour all payments, including those of the Black Queens.”
The Minister also appealed to the team and the public to remain patient, emphasizing that the government remains committed to addressing all outstanding entitlements.
“We are pleading with them. This is our country, Ghana, and we will honour what is due to them,” Adams added.
The standoff comes at a crucial time for Ghana’s women’s team, who are just one step away from securing qualification for the 2026 WAFCON, a tournament that also serves as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
