Sports Ministry clarifies Black Queens’ financial concerns
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has rejected claims that the Black Queens are owed outstanding per diems, insisting that all approved allowances due to the team have been paid.
In a statement dated August 12, 2026, the Ministry said players and eligible officials received their per diems in advance on July 29, covering the period from July 26 to August 7.
It added that following the Black Queens’ quarter-final exit from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and their continued stay for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in qualification pathway, a further per diem payment was made on August 11, covering August 8 to 14.
The Ministry therefore maintains that, as of August 12, there were no outstanding government per diem obligations to the team.
On winning bonuses, the Ministry confirmed that the Black Queens earned one bonus for their group-stage victory over Cape Verde. However, it said the payment is still being processed through the required financial procedures and statutory deductions.
The Ministry also dismissed claims of an outstanding WAFCON qualification bonus linked to the team’s qualifying matches against Egypt.
According to the statement, qualification through the home-and-away WAFCON qualifying round does not attract a separate qualification bonus under the government’s current sports financing framework.
It further stated that there was no government approval for winning bonuses for the qualifying matches against Egypt, and that this position had been communicated to the Ghana Football Association.
On player welfare, the Ministry said the Black Queens are supported by a team structure that includes a Team Manager, Team Administrator, two physiotherapists, a medical doctor, nurse, dietician, chef, management team members and other technical officials.
It assured that legitimate additional welfare needs brought to the attention of team management would be addressed.
The clarification comes after Black Queens players raised concerns over outstanding bonuses, per diems, welfare and other financial matters during their WAFCON campaign.
The Ministry has urged that concerns relating to financial entitlements and welfare be addressed through the appropriate institutional channels.
It also called on Ghanaians to support the Black Queens as they prepare for their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification play-in against Côte d’Ivoire, with a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake.
By: Bernard Mensah
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