Omanghana
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has rejected claims that the government owes members of Ghana’s senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, outstanding per diems during their campaign in Morocco.
The Ministry’s response follows a statement issued by the players on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, expressing frustration over alleged unpaid financial entitlements and inadequate welfare support.
The dispute has emerged as the Black Queens prepare for a crucial 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in match against Côte d’Ivoire.
According to the Ministry, all per diem payments due to the players and officials have been settled in advance. It said signed allowance sheets were available to support its position.
The first payment was processed on July 29 and covered the team’s expenses from July 26 to August 7. A second payment was made on August 11 for the extended period between August 8 and August 14.
The additional payment became necessary after the Black Queens were eliminated from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the quarter-final stage and remained in Morocco to prepare for the World Cup qualifying play-off.
The Ministry also clarified the controversy surrounding the team’s bonuses. It acknowledged that the players earned a winning bonus following their group-stage victory over Cape Verde at the tournament.
That payment is currently being processed and will be transferred directly into the players’ bank accounts after the required statutory deductions have been completed.
However, the Ministry rejected claims that the team was entitled to separate qualification bonuses for previous home-and-away matches against Egypt.
It explained that Ghana’s current sports financing framework does not provide additional bonuses for advancing through such qualifying rounds. The government’s responsibility at that stage, it said, is limited to operational expenses and per diem payments.
According to the Ministry, the arrangement had already been formally communicated to the Ghana Football Association.
The Ministry further denied allegations that the players had received inadequate mental health and welfare support while in Morocco.
It said the squad was being supported by a comprehensive medical and technical delegation that included a dedicated doctor, two physiotherapists, a registered nurse and a professional dietician.
A Ministry accountant was also attached to the team to address immediate financial and welfare concerns during the campaign.
The Ministry urged the players and other stakeholders to use the appropriate institutional channels when raising future concerns instead of taking disputes to the media.
It also appealed to Ghanaians to set the controversy aside and support the Black Queens as they pursue qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through their decisive encounter with Côte d’Ivoire.
Source: Omanghana
