Black Maidens not owed bonuses or per diems, says Sports Minister

Ghana's Under-17 women's football team, known as the Black Maidens, does not owe any outstanding bonuses or per diems, according to Sports Minister Kofi Adams. The team is preparing for their upcoming assignments as they have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. This is a significant achievement for the Black Maidens, as it marks their return after being suspended from CAF competitions in 2022.

Currently, the Black Maidens are participating in the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup, which also serves as a qualifier for the inaugural U-17 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking to Asempa FM, Sports Minister Kofi Adams clarified that the responsibility for payments during qualification campaigns falls on the Ghana Football Association, rather than the ministry. Adams stated that there is no bonus owed to the U-17 team and that they are not owed any per diem.

The minister further explained that government funding is only applicable once a team enters an approved major international tournament. The Black Maidens are currently in the WAFU Zone B, where they are competing in qualifiers and have not yet reached that level. Their next group match is against Nigeria, scheduled for Saturday. So far, the Black Maidens have had a strong start to their WAFU B campaign with a 4-0 victory over Burkina Faso. The team will be housed in Group C alongside Brazil, Norway, and Canada.