Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says the Black Maidens are not owed any outstanding bonuses or per diems as Ghana’s Under-17 women’s team prepares for its upcoming assignments.
The Black Maidens secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco next month, completing a remarkable return after Ghana’s suspension from CAF competitions in 2022.
Nana Joe Adarkwa’s side is currently competing in the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup, a tournament that also serves as a qualifier for the inaugural U-17 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Adams said responsibility for payments during qualification campaigns lies with the Ghana Football Association rather than the ministry.
“For the U-17, I am not aware of any bonus that is due to them. We don’t owe them any per diem,” he said.
“At a certain stage, the Ghana Football Association is responsible for those activities.”
The minister explained that government funding only applies once a team enters an approved major international tournament.
“Once they go into a tournament that is approved, like a world-level tournament, then the ministry comes in,” he added.
“They haven’t reached there yet; they are in WAFU Zone B now, playing in some qualifiers.”
The Black Maidens made an impressive start to their WAFU B campaign with a 4-0 victory over Burkina Faso and will face Nigeria in their next group match on Saturday.
Black Maidens are housed in Group C alongside Brazil, Norway and Canada.
