‘We are Engaged on It’ – Kofi Adams on Black Queens Being Owed Bonuses after WAFCON

Introduction

The Ghanaian women’s national football team – popularly known as the Black Queens – captured a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. While the on‑field triumph has been celebrated across the nation, an off‑field controversy has emerged: the players claim that a significant portion of their performance‑related bonuses remains unpaid.

In a recent interview with Joy News, Kofi Iddie Adams, Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, assured the public that the Ministry is actively working to resolve the issue. This article analyses the background of the dispute, the steps being taken by the government and the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the broader implications for women’s sport in Ghana.

Analysis

Background of the 2024 WAFCON Campaign

Ghana entered the 2024 WAFCON tournament with a squad that combined seasoned internationals and promising newcomers. After a strong group‑stage performance, the Black Queens advanced to the knockout rounds, ultimately securing third place by defeating South Africa in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out. The achievement marked the nation’s best finish in the competition since its inception.

Bonus Structure and Payment Obligations

According to the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) standard player remuneration policy, tournament bonuses are tiered:

• Participation bonus – awarded for each match played.
• Progression bonus – awarded for reaching the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and podium finishes.
• Individual performance bonus – awarded for goals, assists, and clean sheets.

For the 2024 WAFCON, the GFA reportedly allocated a total of GHS 1.2 million for the Black Queens’ bonuses, with an additional contingency fund for administrative costs.

What Triggered the Dispute?

After the tournament, the players publicly announced that they had not received the full amount stipulated in the agreement. The Minister of Sports confirmed that “their last bonus has not been paid, not all their bonuses.” The delay has raised concerns about financial transparency and the effectiveness of the payout mechanisms within the Ministry and the GFA.

Government Response and Ongoing Negotiations

Minister Kofi Adams clarified that the Ministry of Sports is “engaged on it” and that the issue is “in the process of being worked on.” He also highlighted that the problem is not limited to the senior women’s team; the U‑20 men’s squad reportedly faces similar payment delays. The Ministry has reportedly set up a joint task force with the GFA, the Ministry of Finance, and the players’ union to audit the payment pipeline and release the outstanding amounts before the upcoming 2026 WAFCON qualifiers against Egypt.

Summary

The Black Queens’ bronze‑medal performance at the 2024 WAFCON brought Ghana pride, yet the unresolved bonus payments have sparked a debate about athlete compensation, governance, and gender equity in sport. The Minister of Sports, Kofi Iddie Adams, has pledged a coordinated effort to settle the arrears, but concrete timelines remain unclear. The situation underscores the need for stronger contractual enforcement and transparent financial management within Ghanaian football.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Players and Their Representatives

1. Document all communications: Keep copies of contracts, emails, and meeting minutes that reference bonus agreements.
2. Engage the Players’ Union: The Ghana Professional Footballers’ Association (GPFA) can provide legal support and act as a liaison with the Ministry.
3. Utilise media platforms responsibly: Raise awareness without jeopardising future negotiations; factual statements are essential.

For the Ministry of Sports and GFA

1. Establish a transparent escrow account: Deposit bonus funds in a dedicated account that releases payments only after verification.
2. Set clear deadlines: Publish a public timetable for disbursement to restore confidence.
3. Conduct an independent audit: Engage a third‑party auditor to verify that all contractual obligations have been met.

Points of Caution

While public pressure can accelerate payment, it may also strain relationships between the players and governing bodies. Over‑reliance on media speculation can lead to misinformation, potentially affecting the team’s focus ahead of the crucial 2026 qualifiers. Stakeholders should avoid:

• Making unverified claims about the exact amount owed.
• Undermining the credibility of the GFA or the Ministry without concrete evidence.
• Engaging in actions that could violate the players’ contracts or employment law.

Comparison

Historical Bonus Disputes in Ghanaian Football

Payment controversies are not new in Ghanaian football. Notable examples include:

Regional Benchmarking

Neighbouring nations such as Nigeria and South Africa have introduced performance‑based bonus funds that are automatically released upon verification of match reports. Ghana could adopt a similar model to minimize future disputes.

Legal Implications

Under Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), employees – including professional athletes – are entitled to receive remuneration as stipulated in their contracts. Failure to pay agreed‑upon bonuses may constitute a breach of contract, exposing the GFA and the Ministry to potential legal action:

• Contractual breach: Players could file a civil suit for specific performance (payment of the owed amount) and damages.
• Statutory rights: The Labour Act provides for penalties against employers who withhold wages.
• Sports arbitration: Disputes may also be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if contractual clauses specify arbitration.

It is advisable for both parties to seek legal counsel to ensure compliance with national labour standards and FIFA’s regulations on player welfare.

Conclusion

The Black Queens’ historic 2024 WAFCON bronze medal has shone a spotlight on the potential of women’s football in Ghana, but the lingering bonus dispute threatens to dampen that momentum. Minister Kofi Iddie Adams’ public commitment to resolve the matter is a positive step, yet concrete actions, transparent processes, and adherence to legal obligations are essential to restore trust.

By implementing clear payment mechanisms, learning from past disputes, and aligning with regional best practices, Ghana can safeguard its athletes’ rights and ensure that future successes on the pitch are matched by fair treatment off it.

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