The Ministry’s response follows a statement issued by members of the Black Queens, who raised concerns over unpaid bonuses, per diems, welfare arrangements and the level of government support during their participation in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
According to the Ministry, the players and eligible officials received their per diems in advance on July 29, covering the period from July 26 to August 7. A second payment was subsequently made on August 11 to cover the team’s extended stay in Morocco from August 8 to 14 following their quarterfinal exit.
The Ministry maintained that the payments were duly acknowledged through signed allowance sheets attached to its statement and stressed that, as of August 12, there was no outstanding government obligation concerning per diems.
On winning bonuses, the Ministry confirmed that the Black Queens earned a bonus following their group-stage victory over Cape Verde. However, it explained that the payment is currently going through the required financial processes and will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of the players and eligible officials once completed.
The government also challenged the players’ claim regarding an outstanding WAFCON qualification bonus from their qualifying matches against Egypt.
The Ministry explained that under the current sports financing framework, qualification for the WAFCON through the home-and-away qualifying round does not attract a separate qualification bonus. It added that government nevertheless covers approved expenses connected to the qualification process, including per diems and operational costs.
It further clarified that no government approval was granted for winning bonuses for the qualifying matches against Egypt and said this position had already been communicated to the Ghana Football Association.
On welfare, the Ministry insisted that the Black Queens have a comprehensive support structure in Morocco, including a team manager, administrator, two physiotherapists, medical doctor, nurse, dietician, chef, management representatives and technical officials. An accountant attached to the team has also been facilitating approved additional welfare payments.
Despite the disagreement over financial claims, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the Black Queens and the broader development of women’s football in Ghana.
The development comes at a crucial stage of the team’s campaign, with the Black Queens now preparing for a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification play-in against Côte d’Ivoire. The decisive encounter carries enormous significance, with qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake.
With the players and government offering differing accounts of their financial concerns, attention will now turn to the upcoming play-in as the Black Queens seek to put the off-field controversy behind them and secure a place at the global showpiece.
