Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation has rejected claims that the government owes the Black Queens outstanding per diem payments, while clarifying the status of bonuses and other financial commitments to the senior women’s national team.
The clarification follows concerns raised by Black Queens players over unpaid bonuses, per diems, welfare and the level of government support during their ongoing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In a press statement dated August 12, 2026, the Ministry said the government had no outstanding per diem obligation to the team as of that date.
According to the Ministry, players and eligible officials received their per diems in advance on July 29 for the period covering July 26 to August 7, 2026. The payments covered the team’s group-stage participation and the immediate period thereafter and were acknowledged through signed allowance sheets.
The Ministry further stated that following the Black Queens’ quarter-final elimination and their continued stay in Morocco for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in pathway, an additional per diem payment was made on August 11 to cover the period from August 8 to August 14.
“Accordingly, as of 12 August 2026, Government has no outstanding per diem obligation to the Black Queens,” the statement said.
On winning bonuses, the Ministry said Ghana recorded one victory during the WAFCON group stage, against Cape Verde, and the players and eligible officials were therefore entitled to one winning bonus from the group stage.
It explained that winning bonuses are processed separately from per diems and are paid directly into the bank accounts of players and eligible officials after the necessary documentation, statutory deductions and other financial procedures have been completed.
The Ministry said the bonus earned from the victory over Cape Verde was being processed in line with the established procedure.
It also addressed concerns over an alleged outstanding WAFCON qualification bonus, including claims relating to Ghana’s qualifying matches against Egypt.
According to the Ministry, qualification for the WAFCON through the home-and-away qualifying rounds does not attract a separate qualification bonus under the government’s current sports financing framework.
The government, however, covers approved costs associated with the qualification process, including per diems and other operational expenses.
“There was no Government approval for the payment of winning bonuses for the WAFCON qualifying matches against Egypt,” the Ministry stated, adding that it was therefore inaccurate to describe such a payment as an outstanding government obligation.
The Ministry also responded to concerns about the welfare, health and mental well-being of the Black Queens.
It said the team is being supported by a comprehensive management and technical structure comprising a team manager, team administrator, two physiotherapists, a medical doctor, a nurse, a dietician, a chef, two management team members and other technical officials.
The Ministry maintained that the structure provides the players with medical, nutritional, administrative and general welfare support throughout the tournament.
It added that legitimate additional welfare needs brought to the attention of team management are addressed promptly, while the Ministry’s accountant attached to the team facilitates approved payments for needs arising outside the regular operational arrangements.
Despite the clarification, the Ministry said it remained committed to addressing specific welfare concerns through the appropriate channels and ensuring that the players receive the support required to focus on representing Ghana.
The statement comes after the Black Queens publicly raised concerns over outstanding financial and welfare matters, including bonuses and per diem allowances, while calling for improved support from the authorities.
The Ministry reaffirmed that government’s commitment to the Black Queens and the broader development of women’s football remains firm.
With Ghana preparing for a crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in against Côte d’Ivoire, the Ministry urged all parties to address concerns relating to financial entitlements and player welfare accurately and transparently through the appropriate institutional channels.
The Black Queens are seeking a route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Malawi ended their hopes of securing automatic qualification through the WAFCON.
The Ministry said the immediate priority should now be to create the right environment for the team to pursue qualification.
“Government remains firmly behind the Black Queens,” the statement said, while wishing the team well in its bid to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
