SPORTS MINISTER DENIES URGING BLACK QUEENS BOYCOTT OVER UNPAID BONUSES

 By Osei Nathanael 

Ghana's Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has vehemently denied reports that he suggested the Black Queens could boycott their upcoming 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Egypt over outstanding bonuses, as tensions over unpaid player entitlements briefly disrupted preparations for the crucial second-leg match.

The controversy erupted when the national women's football team halted training for two days last week, protesting $9,500 per player owed from their bronze-medal finish at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco. Sources close to the team indicated that the players threatened not to play the return fixture against Egypt, scheduled for October 29 in Accra, unless the arrears were settled. The first leg in Cairo ended in a goalless draw, leaving the tie finely poised.

According to initial accounts, Adams met with the squad on October 26 to address the grievances but allegedly informed them they could "choose to boycott the game if they want to," without committing to a payment timeline. This sparked outrage among players and fans, with social media buzzing over the perceived insensitivity amid ongoing financial disputes in Ghanaian football.

However, in a radio interview on October 27, Adams categorically rejected the claims. "I never said Black Queens could boycott Egypt clash over owed bonuses," he stated, emphasizing that his visit was to encourage the team and assure them that efforts were underway to resolve the issue. His special assistant, Wonder Mandel, echoed the denial, confirming that the ministry acknowledges the $9,500 debt per player but noted there are "no timelines" for disbursement due to budgetary constraints.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) also distanced itself from the boycott reports, labeling them as inaccurate and reaffirming support for the team. By October 27 evening, the Black Queens had returned to training after productive discussions, signaling a resolution to the immediate standoff. "After two days of protest over unpaid bonuses, the Black Queens have finally returned to the pitch," one observer noted on social media.

This incident is not isolated. The Black Queens have faced similar payment delays in the past, including arrears from qualifiers dating back to 2023. Critics, including sports journalists and former players, have accused the ministry and GFA of prioritizing the men's team, the Black Stars, over women's football. Black Stars captain Andre Ayew publicly urged the Queens to reconsider their boycott, highlighting the national importance of the qualifier.

Adams explained that part of the delay stems from reallocating funds during the 2024 WAFCON to cover urgent accommodation costs, which depleted the approved group-stage bonuses.

"We had to use the Black Queens’ approved group stage bonuses to cover an urgent accommodation issue during the WAFCON," he said.

As the team gears up for the Egypt clash, a win would secure Ghana's spot in the 2026 WAFCON. Players and officials remain tight-lipped on whether full payments have been made, but the focus has shifted back to the field. "No pay, no game" chants from the camp have quieted, but the episode underscores deeper systemic issues in funding for women's sports in Ghana.

The ministry has promised to address all outstanding bonuses post-qualifiers, though skeptics point to historical patterns of neglect. With the nation watching, the Black Queens aim to channel their frustrations into a victory, proving their resilience both on and off the pitch.