Kofi Adams’ bonus and per diems comments have affected players morale – Black Maidens coach Joe Nana Adarkwa

Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has commented on remarks made by Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams regarding bonuses and per diems paid to Ghana's national teams. The minister stated that the Black Maidens are not owed any outstanding bonuses or per diems during qualification competitions, as the Sports Ministry only covers such payments once a team qualifies for a major international tournament like the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Adarkwa believes that these comments have impacted the morale of his players, questioning why one team received support for per diems and bonuses while the other did not. He defended the qualifications of coaches working with the junior national teams and emphasized that coaching women's football can be particularly challenging.

Ghana is using the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup as part of their preparation for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with the regionals also serving as a qualifier for the inaugural U-17 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the controversy, Adarkwa is confident his team will not let it affect their campaign, vowing to continue playing football that will bring glory to the national team.