The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has clarified that the Government of Ghana does not owe the Black Queens any outstanding per diem payments, following concerns raised by members of the national women’s senior team.
In a press statement issued on August 12, 2026, the Ministry explained that players and eligible officials received their per diems in advance on July 29, covering the period from July 26 to August 7, including their participation in the group stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Ministry added that after the Black Queens exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage and remained in Morocco for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in qualification, a further payment was made on August 11. That payment covered the additional period from August 8 to August 14, 2026.
According to the Ministry, signed allowance sheets have been attached to the statement to support the payments made. It therefore maintained that, as of August 12, 2026, there was no outstanding per diem obligation owed to the Black Queens.
Winning Bonuses
Regarding winning bonuses, the Ministry stated that the Black Queens recorded one victory during the WAFCON group stage, against Cape Verde, and were consequently entitled to one winning bonus.
It explained that winning bonuses are handled separately from per diem payments and are paid directly into the bank accounts of players and officials after the necessary documentation, statutory deductions and other public financial procedures have been completed.
The Ministry said the winning bonus resulting from the victory over Cape Verde was being processed in line with the established procedures.
No Approved WAFCON Qualification Bonus
The Ministry also responded to concerns over an alleged outstanding WAFCON qualification bonus, particularly claims connected to Ghana’s qualifying matches against Egypt.
It said that under the Government’s current sports financing framework, qualification for the WAFCON through the home-and-away qualifying rounds does not come with a separate qualification bonus.
The Ministry further stated that Government had not approved the payment of winning bonuses for the WAFCON qualifying matches against Egypt, and that this position had been communicated to the Ghana Football Association.
It therefore said it would be inaccurate to describe a payment that was neither approved nor established as an entitlement as an outstanding Government obligation.
Ministry Addresses Welfare Concerns
On issues relating to player welfare, health and mental well-being, the Ministry said the Black Queens currently have a comprehensive support structure.
The structure includes a Team Manager, Team Administrator, two Physiotherapists, a Medical Doctor, a Nurse, a Dietician, a Chef, two Management Team members and other technical officials.
According to the Ministry, these personnel provide the team with medical, nutritional, administrative and general welfare support throughout the tournament.
It added that legitimate additional welfare needs brought to the attention of team management are dealt with promptly. The Ministry’s Accountant attached to the team also facilitates approved payments for needs that fall outside the regular operational arrangements.
The Ministry said it remains prepared to address specific welfare concerns through the appropriate channels while ensuring that the players have the necessary support to concentrate on representing Ghana.
World Cup Qualification Now the Priority
The clarification comes as the Black Queens prepare for a crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification play-in against Côte d’Ivoire.
Ghana missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil following their WAFCON campaign but still have an opportunity to qualify through the Intercontinental Playoffs.
The Sports Ministry said the immediate priority should be to create the right environment and provide the Black Queens with the encouragement and support needed to pursue qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Ministry reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the Black Queens and the continued development of women’s football in Ghana.
It also urged that concerns relating to financial entitlements and player welfare be handled accurately and transparently through the appropriate institutional channels.
“Government remains firmly behind the Black Queens,” the statement said, as it wished the team well in its continued efforts to secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Jones Adzi
