By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Aug. 13, GNA – The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has dismissed reports suggesting the government owes the Black Queens, outstanding per diems at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In a statement, the Ministry said players and eligible officials received advance per diem payments on July 29, covering the period from July 26 to August 7, and that the payments were acknowledged through signed allowance sheets.
It added that after Ghana’s quarter-final exit and the team’s extended stay in Morocco to pursue qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through a play-in pathway, an additional per diem payment covering August 8-14 was made on August 11, 2026
“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 the team earned a bonus for its group-stage victory over Cape Verde and that the payment was being processed through the established public financial procedures.
It explained that winning bonuses differ from per diems and are paid directly into players’ and officials’ bank accounts after documentation, statutory deductions and other administrative requirements have been completed.
The ministry also disputed suggestions that players were owed bonuses from the team’s qualification campaign for the WAFCON finals, including matches against Egypt.
According to the statement, Ghana’s current sports financing framework does not provide a separate qualification bonus for teams advancing through the WAFCON qualifying rounds. Instead, the government covers approved expenses associated with the qualification campaign, including per diems and operational costs.
“There was no Government approval for the payment of winning bonuses for the WAFCON qualifying matches against Egypt,” the ministry said, adding that the position had been communicated to the Ghana Football Association.
The ministry further rejected concerns over player welfare, saying the Black Queens were supported by a team that includes a manager, administrator, medical doctor, nurse, physiotherapists, dietician, chef, management personnel and technical staff.
It said additional welfare needs brought to the attention of team management had been addressed, with approved payments facilitated where necessary.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to the development of women’s football and called for concerns regarding player entitlements to be handled through the appropriate institutional channels.
The statement comes as the Black Queens prepare for a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification play-in match against Côte d’Ivoire, with a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake.
The ministry urged Ghanaians to support the team, saying the immediate priority should be creating an environment that enables the players to focus on securing qualification.
“Government remains firmly behind the Black Queens. We wish the team the very best as they continue their campaign to secure a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]