Ghana’s Black Queens have issued a formal demand to the government and relevant authorities regarding outstanding financial and welfare issues, specifically concerning unpaid bonuses and a perceived lack of support during their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco. The campaign, a significant event for the nation, has been marked by considerable frustration amongst the players and officials.
In a statement released by the Black Queens, the players outlined a series of unresolved issues impacting both themselves and their team’s operational well-being. These concerns span a significant period, beginning with unpaid bonuses dating back to the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, followed by the WAFCON qualification bonus, group-stage bonuses, and unpaid per diem allowances. The statement highlighted these as key areas of concern.
The players emphasized the immense sacrifices made during their representation of Ghana, stressing the demands of rigorous training schedules, extensive travel, and the pressure of competitive matches under intense scrutiny. They underscored that their decision to raise these issues was not intended to incite conflict, but rather to promote transparency, accountability, fairness, and respect within the framework of the competition.
Specifically, the statement questioned the level of engagement from government officials during the campaign. According to the players, Minister of Sports attended only their first official training session, and President John Mahama was also present, highlighting a perceived lack of direct involvement from leadership.
The players further argued that financial commitments made to national team representatives should be honored promptly, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the players representing Ghana. They stressed the need to ensure adequate support for the team, including mental health and overall well-being.
Furthermore, the statement expressed concern regarding the insufficient attention given to the mental health and overall well-being of the players, a point frequently discussed within the team’s internal communications. The players expressed appreciation for the technical and support staff’s efforts during the campaign, noting their crucial role in the team’s preparation and success.
The Black Queens’ decision to raise these concerns is viewed as a critical stage of Ghana’s campaign to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Despite their efforts to achieve qualification, the team suffered a 2-1 quarter-final defeat by Malawi at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, effectively ending their hopes for a successful tournament.
The players’ statement has consequently added considerable pressure to the team, particularly as they prepare for the decisive encounter against Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday. Victory in this match will secure a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off tournament, a pivotal moment for the Black Queens and a critical step towards their global aspirations. The team’s insistence on addressing these unresolved issues demonstrates a resolute commitment to their responsibilities and a clear priority for achieving their objectives.
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Source: Adom Sports
