Black Queens hit back at Sports Ministry hours before crucial Côte d’Ivoire clash

The Black Queens, the national women's football team of Ghana, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Sports over unpaid per diems, qualification bonuses, and unsatisfactory support. In a statement on August 13, 2026, the team criticized the Ministry for publicly addressing their concerns without first engaging in direct communication. The players stated that they had repeatedly reached out to the Ministry but received no acknowledgment or updates, leading them to go public with their grievances.

One of the main issues raised by the players is the payment of per diems. They argued that their camp began on July 11, and questioned why their per diems were not paid from the start of the camp. The Ministry had claimed that payments started on July 26, but the players disagreed, asserting that their official duties began earlier. They requested clarification on this matter.

The players also challenged the Ministry's assertion regarding qualification bonuses. Last year, the same Minister paid the team a qualification bonus, which led to confusion when the current administration stated that there was no such bonus under the existing framework. The Black Queens recalled an incident on July 28 when a Sports Minister visited their training session and promised to bring the qualification bonuses for the matches against Egypt.

However, only $700 was brought, and the Minister shared this on social media, stating that it was less than the actual bonus promised. The players are seeking clarity and consistency in these commitments.

In terms of overall support, the Black Queens emphasized that they are not seeking special treatment but merely better treatment that matches their contributions to representing Ghana. They stressed their commitment to the country, stating that they work hard, make sacrifices, and represent Ghana with pride. The players concluded their statement by wishing themselves success in the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations play-in match against Côte d'Ivoire, a crucial encounter that could impact their qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup play-off tournament.