The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has moved to clarify the financial status of the Black Queens, saying the team has no outstanding per diem payments from the government as they prepare for their crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in fixture.
The Ministry said all approved allowances due to the players and eligible officials had been paid as of Wednesday, August 12, 2026, dismissing reports that government owed the team per diems.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry explained that the Black Queens received their per diems in advance on July 29 for the period covering July 26 to August 7.
It said an additional payment was made on August 11 to cover the team’s continued stay in Morocco following their elimination from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals.
The second payment covered the period from August 8 to 14.
“Accordingly, as of 12 August 2026, government has no outstanding per diem obligation to the Black Queens,” the Ministry stated.
Winning bonus still being processed
The Ministry, however, acknowledged that the Black Queens were entitled to a winning bonus following their victory over Cape Verde during the WAFCON group stage.
It said the payment was being processed in accordance with established government financial procedures.
The Ministry also sought to clarify claims concerning a separate WAFCON qualification bonus.
According to the Ministry, the current sports financing framework does not provide for a qualification bonus for teams that progress through a home-and-away qualifying round.
It said no winning bonuses had been approved for the Black Queens’ qualifying matches against Egypt and that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) had been formally informed of the position.
The clarification follows concerns reportedly raised by members of the Black Queens regarding alleged outstanding financial obligations, welfare and the level of support provided during their WAFCON campaign.
Government urges focus on World Cup qualification
The Ministry said the team had been provided with a comprehensive support structure, including medical, nutritional, administrative and technical personnel.
It added that additional legitimate welfare concerns raised by the players were being addressed.
With the Black Queens now preparing for a decisive FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in match against Côte d’Ivoire, the Ministry appealed to stakeholders to put financial concerns aside and rally behind the team.
The match represents an important opportunity for Ghana to secure a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Ministry reaffirmed its support for the national women’s team, stating: “Government remains firmly behind the Black Queens.”
