Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has dismissed claims that he encouraged members of the national women’s football team, the Black Queens, to boycott their upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Egypt.
The clarification comes after several media reports suggested that the Minister privately supported the team’s decision to suspend training in protest over unpaid bonuses from the 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco.
The controversy stems from the team’s demand for outstanding payments, with each player reportedly owed about $9,500 for their participation in last year’s WAFCON campaign. The delay in settling these allowances has sparked frustration among players, who argue that their dedication and performance have not been adequately rewarded.
The Black Queens reached the knockout stages of the 2024 tournament, earning widespread praise for their resilience despite limited logistical support. However, the current standoff threatens to derail Ghana’s qualification chances for the 2026 WAFCON — a competition that also serves as the pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Mr. Adams categorically rejected suggestions that he had advised or encouraged the players to abandon their training or boycott the match.
“It’s untrue and quite illogical to claim that I would travel to their camp only to ask them not to play,” he said. “Any boycott will damage the image of the players more than that of the nation. Ghana can recover, but the players involved may carry that tag for life.”
The Minister urged the team to focus on the crucial second-leg fixture against Egypt while assuring that efforts were ongoing to resolve the financial concerns through the appropriate channels at the Ministry and the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The Black Queens currently hold a comfortable 3–0 lead from the first-leg encounter in Cairo and are set to face Egypt in the return fixture on Monday, October 28, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Victory on home soil would secure Ghana’s spot in the next round of qualifiers and bring them a step closer to returning to the continental stage after missing out on recent editions of the WAFCON.
However, uncertainty over player morale and the unresolved bonus issue have cast a shadow over the team’s preparations, with sports analysts warning that internal discontent could affect on-field performance.
The standoff between the Sports Ministry and the Black Queens highlights the persistent issue of unequal treatment and delayed payments in women’s sports across Africa. In Ghana, female national teams have long complained about inconsistent funding, delayed allowances, and inadequate infrastructure compared to their male counterparts.
Analysts note that ensuring timely payments and transparent communication could strengthen morale and performance, especially as women’s football continues to gain prominence on the global stage.
Globally, the push for parity has gained traction — with countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya facing similar disputes between female athletes and their football federations over unpaid bonuses and travel arrangements.
Sports governance experts have called for systemic reforms within the Ministry and the GFA to prevent recurring disputes with national teams. They argue that predictable funding, prompt remuneration, and clear accountability structures would help avert boycotts and maintain Ghana’s competitive edge internationally.
Local advocates, including former Black Queens players, have urged both sides to resolve the issue amicably, emphasizing that the players’ grievances are legitimate but should not come at the cost of Ghana’s sporting reputation.
As the clock ticks toward Monday’s decisive qualifier, the Black Queens’ situation reflects the delicate balance between athlete welfare and national pride. Whether the dispute leads to lasting reforms or remains another episode in Ghana’s sports administration challenges will depend on how swiftly authorities address the team’s concerns.
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