The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has issued a formal statement addressing concerns raised by the Black Queens regarding unpaid per diem payments, asserting a continued commitment to the team’s financial well-being and participation in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. As of August 12, 2026, all outstanding per diem had been paid, though the Ministry admitted to a pending processing of a significant bonus awarded to the Queens for the group stage of the WAFCON qualification.
Following a Wednesday statement by the Queens, reacting to the ministry’s clarification, the Ministry reiterated its respect for player rights while simultaneously acknowledging a public duty to address the issues raised. The ministry explained that per diem payments, in advance, were distributed to players and eligible officials on July 29, covering the period from July 26 to August 7. Subsequently, after the quarter-finals and the Women’s World Cup play-off, a further per diem payment of $11 was made on August 11 to cover the additional period from August 8 to 14, as documented through signed forms. The ministry stated that, as of 12 August 2026, the government has no outstanding per diem obligation to the Black Queens.
The Ministry further clarified that, unlike per diem payments, winning bonuses are typically paid directly into players’ bank accounts after verification of documentation and statutory deductions. Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized that the Black Queens’ qualifying victory against Cape Verde in the WAFCON group stage, earning a single winning bonus, was a significant event, though the Ministry stressed that this bonus was currently being processed within the established procedures.
The Ministry also addressed concerns regarding the Black Queens’ qualification bonus from Ghana’s WAFCON qualifying matches against Egypt, stating that Ghana’s current sports financing framework does not provide a separate qualification bonus for securing WAFCON qualification through the home-and-away qualifying round. The Ministry argued that such a payment cannot be classified as an outstanding government obligation, as it was neither approved nor established as an entitlement. It further underscored the team’s comprehensive support structure, which includes a team manager, team administrator, two physiotherapists, a medical doctor, a nurse, a dietician, a chef, two management team members, and additional technical officials, providing medical, nutritional, administrative, and general welfare assistance throughout the tournament. An accountant from the Ministry has been with the team during the campaign in Morocco as is often the case, ensuring timely attention to team welfare needs.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the Black Queens and the broader development of women’s football in Ghana, emphasizing the government’s continued commitment to providing support within the approved framework to enable Ghana’s female national teams to compete effectively, particularly in the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
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Source: Graphic Online
