The Black Queens players have hit back at the Ministry of Sports, demanding greater transparency, communication and accountability over outstanding per diems, qualification bonuses and the support provided to the national women’s team.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the players said they were disappointed that the Ministry responded publicly to their concerns without first engaging them directly.
According to the players, they made repeated attempts to contact the Ministry but received no acknowledgement, clear update or meaningful communication regarding the issues they had raised.
They explained that going public was not their preferred option but became necessary after their attempts to resolve the matter privately were met with what they described as continued silence.
“We are not trying to create conflict. We are simply asking for basic communication, respect, transparency and accountability from those responsible for supporting the Black Queens,” the players stated.
A major concern raised by the team is the payment of per diems.
The players said they officially began their camp on July 11 and questioned why their per diems were not paid from the start of the camp.
They noted that the Ministry had referred to payments beginning on July 26, but argued that their official duties started on July 11 and that the earlier period should therefore be accounted for and clarified.
The players also challenged the Ministry’s position regarding qualification bonuses.
They said the same Minister and Ministry paid them a qualification bonus last year, making the current assertion that there is no qualification bonus under the existing framework surprising to them.
The players further recalled an incident on July 28 when the Sports Minister visited their training session and informed them that the accountant would bring their qualification bonuses for the matches against Egypt.
However, they said only $700 was brought and subsequently shared by the Minister on social media, adding that the amount did not correspond with the qualification bonus that had been communicated to them.
The Black Queens said they were therefore seeking clarity and consistency regarding the commitments made to the team.
On the broader issue of support, the players stressed that they were not demanding special treatment but better treatment.
“We represent Ghana and deserve respect, transparency and proper support,” they said.
They also questioned when the first dedicated budget was allocated specifically to the Black Queens, arguing that the team’s contribution to representing the country should be matched with appropriate support.
The players emphasised that they work hard, make sacrifices and represent Ghana with pride, insisting that they deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.
The statement comes as the Black Queens prepare to face Côte d’Ivoire in a crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations play-in match on Thursday, with qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off tournament at stake.
Despite the ongoing concerns, the players ended their statement by wishing themselves success in the decisive encounter against their West African neighbours.
