Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation has explicitly rejected the claim that the Black Queens are owed outstanding bonuses and per diems, insisting that all approved allowances due to the players and eligible officials have been paid. In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations and Communications, Bagbara Tanko, the ministry said: “For the avoidance of doubt, Government does not owe the Black Queens any outstanding per diem.”
Per diems paid in advance, ministry says
The ministry explained that players and eligible officials received their per diems in advance on July 29, covering the period from July 26 to August 7. After the team progressed to the quarter-finals and the World Cup play-in, another per diem payment was made on August 11 to cover August 8 to 14, with signed forms attached as proof. “Accordingly, as of 12 August 2026, government has no outstanding per diem obligation to the Black Queens,” the statement read.
Bonuses: some paid, some disputed
On bonuses, the ministry clarified that the team earned a winning bonus for their victory over Cape Verde during the WAFCON group stage, and that payment is currently being processed. It rejected claims of an outstanding WAFCON qualification bonus, explaining that the current sports financing framework does not provide for a separate bonus for qualifying through the home-and-away round, and that no winning bonuses were approved for the qualifying matches against Egypt. The ministry also noted that the Black Queens are supported by a comprehensive team structure including medical, nutritional, administrative and technical staff throughout the tournament.
Context of wider bonus arrears
The dispute comes amid broader concerns about unpaid bonuses across Ghana’s national teams. Sports Minister Kofi Adams has previously acknowledged that several teams, including the Black Queens, Black Stars, U-20 and U-17 sides, are owed winning and qualification bonuses, and said efforts are ongoing to clear all outstanding payments.
