Black Queens’ unpaid bonuses deepen Sports Ministry welfare crisis – Minority caucus demands accountability

Ranking Member of Parliament's Committee on Youth and Sports, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, is calling for accountability from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation over significant welfare issues affecting Ghanaian athletes. His demands follow reports from athletes competing in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and complaints from the Black Queens over unpaid bonuses and inadequate support.

Assafuah highlighted issues including late airline tickets, missing luggage, delayed arrival of competition kits, and athletes being unaware of per diems or medal bonuses. He questioned the welfare arrangements, noting athletes were not informed of per diems or medal bonuses until after departing for Glasgow. The MP also raised concerns about the number of officials accommodated in luxury hotels while athletes stayed in others, lacking adequate supervision.

The treatment of a para athlete, reportedly checked out of his hotel shortly after competing without receiving his per diem, was described as particularly disturbing. The Black Queens have publicly complained about outstanding bonuses linked to Egypt 2025, WAFCON qualification, and unpaid per diems. Assafuah sees these issues as indicative of a systemic failure in the government's management of national athletes, demanding a public account from the Ministry on various aspects of the athletes' welfare, immediate payment of all outstanding payments, and an independent investigation into the incidents.

He emphasizes that athletes are deserving of proper preparation, protection, transparency, and respect.