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 players and officials following the team’s recent performance at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The clarification follows a period of scrutiny concerning unpaid bonuses, welfare provisions, and the level of government support afforded to the senior national team.
The Ministry’s statement, dated August 12, 2026, explicitly states that the government had no obligation to the Black Queens as of that date, a significant departure from previous discussions.
According to the Ministry’s internal documentation, players and eligible officials received their per diem payments in advance on July 29, 2026, covering the period from July 26 to August 7. These payments were acknowledged through signed allowance sheets, representing a commitment to the team’s group-stage participation and immediate subsequent period. Specifically, the Ministry noted that the per diem payments were processed separately from bonuses and were paid directly into the bank accounts of players and eligible officials after the completion of necessary documentation, statutory deductions, and other financial procedures. A key element of the process involved a victory over Cape Verde during the group stage, which resulted in one winning bonus.
Following the Black Queens’ quarter-final elimination and continued stay in Morocco for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in pathway, the Ministry subsequently issued an additional per diem payment on August 11 to cover the period from August 8 to August 14. This additional payment underscores the continued commitment to supporting the team’s ongoing engagement.
Furthermore, the Ministry addressed concerns regarding an alleged outstanding WAFCON qualification bonus, including claims relating to Ghana’s qualifying matches against Egypt. The Ministry clarified that qualification for the WAFCON through the home-and-away qualifying rounds does not constitute a separate bonus payment under the current government’s sports financing framework. However, the Ministry did acknowledge that government coverage for approved costs associated with the qualification process, including per diem and operational expenses, remains in place.
The Ministry reiterated its unwavering commitment to the Black Queens and the broader development of women’s football, while emphasizing the importance of addressing specific welfare concerns through established channels. The Ministry urged all stakeholders to address these concerns through the appropriate institutional channels, ensuring the team receives the required support to focus on representing Ghana effectively. The Black Queens are seeking a route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup following their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Malawi, highlighting the immediate priority for the team to pursue qualification.
The Ministry affirmed the government’s firm commitment to the Black Queens, wishing them well in their bid to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The statement also addressed concerns regarding the well-being of the team, noting that a dedicated management and technical structure, comprised of a team manager, team administrator, two physiotherapists, a medical doctor, a nurse, a dietician, a chef, two management team members, and other technical officials, provides comprehensive medical, nutritional, administrative, and general welfare support to the players throughout the tournament. The Ministry has confirmed that legitimate additional welfare needs brought to the team’s management are addressed promptly, while the accountant attached to the team facilitates approved payments for these needs outside of the regular operational arrangements.
Source: Adom Sports
