Ghana's Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has confirmed that several national teams are owed outstanding winning and qualification bonuses. These teams include the U-20 male and female national teams, the U-17 women’s team, the Black Queens, and the senior national team, the Black Stars. Mr. Adams assured that efforts are underway to clear these arrears.
The Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, made this disclosure during an interview with Sporty FM on Thursday. He stated that the U-20 boys and girls, the U-17 girls, and the Black Queens are owed various bonuses. The Black Stars also have some outstanding payments, though they are the least affected among the mentioned teams.
This situation highlights ongoing challenges in public finance management within Ghana's sports sector. Consistent delays in bonus payments have been a recurring issue, often leading to public outcry and affecting team morale. The government's ability to promptly meet financial obligations to national athletes is crucial for maintaining international competitiveness and fostering national pride.
Mr. Adams explained that the Black Stars received full payment for their qualifying bonuses from 2023, 2024, and 2025 before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They also received their appearance fees in full. The only remaining payment for the Black Stars is the qualification bonus for advancing from the World Cup group stage to the Round of 32.
The Minister attributed some delays in settling outstanding bonuses to deductions required under the new Sports Act. This legislation mandates that a percentage of financial benefits paid to athletes and officials be allocated to a sports development fund. This new regulation aims to create a sustainable funding mechanism for sports development across the nation.
The Ministry of Finance is currently working to release outstanding monies for the Black Queens, the U-20 boys and girls, and the U-17 girls. This will enable the payment of their due bonuses. The Black Queens are presently in Morocco, preparing for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Black Princesses have also secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, underscoring the importance of timely financial support.
Stakeholders have consistently expressed concerns over these payment delays. They advocate for a more transparent and efficient system to ensure athletes receive prompt rewards for their achievements. The government's commitment to clearing these arrears will be closely watched by the public and sports organizations. This action will demonstrate its dedication to supporting national teams and adhering to financial commitments.
The timely payment of these bonuses is critical for the morale and performance of Ghana's national teams. It also impacts the country's reputation in international sports. The resolution of these outstanding payments will be a key indicator of the government's effectiveness in managing sports finances. It will also show its ability to implement new financial regulations without causing undue hardship to athletes.
The situation also brings into focus the broader economic implications of sports funding. Adequate and timely funding for sports can boost national image, encourage youth participation, and potentially generate economic activity through tourism and merchandise. Failure to address these financial obligations can lead to disaffection among athletes and hinder the growth of sports in Ghana. The government must ensure that the new Sports Act's deductions are managed efficiently to prevent future payment backlogs.