By: Kwame Bediako
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has refuted reports claiming he encouraged the Black Queens to boycott their upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Egypt.
The controversy follows the players’ refusal to train due to unpaid bonuses from their participation in the 2024 WAFCON campaign held in Morocco, where each player is reportedly owed $9,500.
The Black Queens’ collective action stems from frustration over delayed payments despite their commendable performance in the tournament which concluded in July.
This standoff has raised concerns about Ghana’s qualification prospects for the 2026 WAFCON, which doubles as the qualification route for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Contrary to circulating reports, Kofi Adams clarified in an Asempa FM interview that he never endorsed the players’ boycott.
He strongly denied claims that he told the team to go ahead with their strike and mentioned it was ludicrous to suggest he would travel to the team’s camp to advise such a course of action.
The Minister emphasized the negative implications of any boycott, warning that it would tarnish the players’ reputations permanently, even if the nation eventually recovers from the fallout.
“If they insist [by boycotting], it will affect the nation, but the nation will be back. But as for you, involved in the boycott, you will forever walk with that tag on you,” he asserted.
Ghana currently leads Egypt 3-0 from the first leg, with the decisive second leg scheduled for October 28 at Accra Sports Stadium.
The players’ protest and tensions surrounding the unpaid bonuses cast a shadow over the national team’s hopes of securing qualification for both WAFCON and the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
