The Ghana Ministry of Sports and Recreation has issued a formal clarification regarding the outstanding per diem payments to the Black Queens, addressing concerns raised by the team’s players and officials following the recent Black Queens’ elimination in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations. The Ministry’s statement, issued on August 12, 2026, directly contradicts previous assertions that the government owes the team substantial financial obligations.
Following the Black Queens’ quarter-final elimination and subsequent stay in Morocco, the Ministry stated that, as of that date, there were no outstanding per diem requirements for the team. This clarification follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding unpaid bonuses, per diems, welfare provisions, and the level of government support afforded to the team during their ongoing campaign.
The Ministry detailed a process initiated on July 29, 2026, wherein players and eligible officials received their per diem payments in advance, totaling $10,000 for the period from July 26 to August 7. These payments were specifically allocated for the team’s group-stage participation and the immediate aftermath of their arrival in Morocco. Signed allowance sheets confirming the per diem payments were subsequently issued.
Subsequently, the Ministry acknowledged the Black Queens’ quarter-final elimination and their continued presence in Morocco for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in pathway, resulting in an additional per diem payment of $11,000 on August 11 to cover the period from August 8 to August 14. This additional payment was deemed necessary to cover the team’s continued engagement in the tournament.
Furthermore, the Ministry addressed concerns regarding a potential outstanding WAFCON qualification bonus, specifically relating to Ghana’s qualifying matches against Egypt. The Ministry explained that the qualification for the WAFCON through the home-and-away qualifying rounds does not trigger a separate qualification bonus under the current government’s sports financing framework. However, the Ministry did emphasize that government coverage for approved costs, including per diem and operational expenses, remains consistent with established procedures.
The Ministry underscored its commitment to supporting the Black Queens, maintaining a comprehensive management and technical structure comprising a team manager, administrator, two physiotherapists, a medical doctor, a nurse, a dietician, a chef, two management team members, and other technical officials. The Ministry’s stated structure provides the players with medical, nutritional, administrative, and general welfare support throughout the tournament, ensuring the team’s focus remains on its primary objective – representing Ghana.
Despite this clarification, the Ministry reiterated its unwavering support for the Black Queens and the broader development of women’s football, emphasizing the immediate priority should be to facilitate qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the appropriate channels. The Black Queens have expressed their concerns regarding the outstanding financial and welfare matters, including bonuses and per diem, and are seeking a route to the tournament. The Ministry affirmed its firm commitment to the Black Queens’ success and wishes them well in their bid to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
The Ministry’s statement comes after publicly raised concerns by the Black Queens regarding outstanding financial and welfare matters, including bonuses and per diem allowances, while calling for improved support from the authorities. The Black Queens are seeking a route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Malawi ended their hopes of securing automatic qualification through the WAFCON.
Source: Adom Sports
