Ghana’s Black Queens have urged the government, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and other authorities to settle outstanding payments and improve the welfare support provided to the national women’s team.
In a statement issued by the players, they said they remained proud to represent Ghana and committed to the Black Queens, but warned that unresolved financial and welfare concerns were placing considerable strain on the squad.
The players said they were still owed bonuses relating to the Egypt 2025 campaign, including the WAFCON qualification bonus and group-stage payments. They also cited unpaid per diem allowances and called for better management support for both players and officials.
Mental health and the wider well-being of national team representatives were also highlighted. The players said stronger safeguards were needed to protect those involved with the team during training, travel and competition.
They said they had continued to work and compete for Ghana despite the difficulties, often making personal sacrifices to fulfil their international commitments. In response, they called on the authorities to ensure greater transparency, accountability, fairness and respect in the running of the Black Queens.
Financial obligations to players, they said, should be fulfilled promptly, while the welfare of those representing the country should be treated as a central responsibility rather than a secondary concern.
The statement also expressed disappointment at the level of government engagement during the team’s current WAFCON campaign. According to the players, Sports Minister Kofi Adams attended only their first official training session. GFA President Kurt Okraku was also present at that session.
The squad said they had largely relied on one another and the technical team throughout the campaign, with limited further involvement from government officials.
Despite the criticism, the Black Queens stressed that their statement was not intended to provoke confrontation or show disrespect. Instead, they said they wanted constructive dialogue and a professional, supportive structure in which the national team could grow.
Their appeal follows Ghana’s elimination from the 2026 WAFCON, with the Black Queens losing 2-1 to Malawi in the quarter-finals.
The team’s campaign is not yet over, however. Ghana are scheduled to play Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday in the African playoff route for qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With that match approaching, the players have called on the Ministry of Sports and other decision-makers to engage directly with the squad and begin resolving the outstanding issues.
They said their dedication to Ghana remained undiminished, but argued that the authorities’ support needed to reflect the effort and commitment demanded of the players.
“We deserve the same commitment and support that we give to our country,” the players said.
The statement concluded with a call for a national team system based on professionalism, fairness, accountability and respect.
