The Black Queens of Ghana have responded to the Ministry of Sports following the Ministry’s rejection of concerns raised by the players over outstanding payments, bonuses and welfare.
The players said they were disappointed that the Ministry addressed the public without first engaging them directly. They claimed repeated attempts to contact the Ministry for clarification received no meaningful response, forcing them to go public.
The Black Queens questioned why per diems were not paid from the start of their official camp on July 11, as opposed to July 26, as stated by the Ministry.
On the qualification bonus, the players maintained that the Ministry paid them a similar bonus last year. They also recalled being told during the Minister’s July 28 visit that an accountant would bring their qualification bonuses for the Egypt matches. However, they said only $700 was provided, which they insist was not the promised qualification bonus.
The Ministry has maintained that all approved allowances have been paid and that there was no government approval for winning bonuses for the WAFCON qualifiers against Egypt. It also said the team has adequate welfare and medical support, while the Cape Verde winning bonus was being processed.
The players, however, stressed that their concerns are not about conflict or special treatment. They are calling for respect, clear communication, transparency, fairness and accountability.
Despite the dispute, the Black Queens remain focused on their crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification play-in against Côte d’Ivoire, with a place in the intercontinental playoffs at stake.
The players reaffirmed their pride in representing Ghana and wished the team success in the decisive encounter.
Background
The dispute between the Black Queens and the Ministry of Sports comes against the backdrop of the team’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Black Queens recently secured their place in the crucial qualification play-in after their WAFCON campaign and are now preparing to face Côte d’Ivoire, with a place in the intercontinental World Cup playoffs at stake.
Ahead of the decisive fixture, tensions emerged over outstanding financial and welfare concerns. The players publicly complained about unpaid bonuses, per diems and other commitments, while also calling for improved support and communication from the authorities responsible for the national team.
The Ministry of Sports subsequently disputed some of the claims, saying approved allowances had been paid and explaining that certain bonuses mentioned by the players had not received government approval.
The disagreement has since developed into a public exchange between the players and the Ministry, with the Black Queens insisting that their concerns are primarily about transparency, communication, fairness and accountability rather than conflict.
The controversy has added an off-field dimension to an important period for the team, which is seeking to maintain its focus on securing another major step towards qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Read statement below.
