Ghana’s Black Queens are fighting for more than a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. As they prepare for a crucial play-in against Côte d’Ivoire, the players have also opened a fresh battle over unpaid bonuses, allowances and welfare.
In a statement, the players demanded payment of outstanding money linked to Egypt 2025, WAFCON qualification, group-stage wins and per diems. They also called for better management, mental health support and stronger welfare structures.
“We believe that financial commitments to players should be honoured on time and that the welfare of national team players must be treated as a priority,” the players said.
The timing could hardly be more difficult. Ghana lost 2-1 to Malawi in the WAFCON quarter-finals, ending their hopes of automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup and forcing them into the play-in route.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has rejected the claim over unpaid per diems. It said all approved payments had been made, including a further payment on August 11 covering the period from August 8 to 14.
The Ministry also said Ghana’s group-stage winning bonus is being processed. It added that there is no separate government bonus for WAFCON qualification through the home-and-away round.
Yet the dispute has opened an old wound. In October 2025, the Black Queens reportedly boycotted training over unpaid bonuses before beating Egypt 4-0 in Accra to complete a 7-0 aggregate victory.
Their recent history makes the frustration more striking. Ghana returned to the WAFCON spotlight after missing two editions, then won bronze at the tournament after reaching the semi-finals.
Now, Parliament is also demanding answers. Ranking Member of the Youth and Sports Committee Vincent Ekow Assafuah says the complaints point to a wider problem in how Ghana supports its athletes.
“This is no longer an isolated complaint,” he said, calling for transparency and an independent investigation into athlete welfare.
For the Black Queens, however, the immediate task is clear. Côte d’Ivoire stands between them and another step towards Brazil 2027.
The players want support. Ghana needs results. For a team carrying the hopes of a nation, both matter.
