Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has dismissed media reports claiming he advised Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, to boycott their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt over unpaid bonuses.
The team recently halted training in protest of unpaid entitlements from their 2024 WAFCON campaign in Morocco, where each player is reportedly owed $9,500 in bonuses.
In an interview with Asempa FM, the Minister said he was taken aback by the circulating reports.
“Why would I say that, why would I spend my time driving all the way to their camp and tell them they [Black Queens] can boycott if they want to,” he said.
He further cautioned the players about the potential consequences of such an action.
“If they [Black Queens] insist [by boycotting], it will affect the nation but the nation will be back; but as for you involved in the boycott, you will forever walk with that tag on you, I said so.”
The current impasse threatens Ghana’s qualification hopes for the 2026 WAFCON, which doubles as a qualifying route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Black Queens currently hold a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, with the return fixture set for Tuesday, October 28, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
