In the last few weeks, there have been some assurances that the Black Queens squad will receive their bonuses ($7500 each) for securing qualification to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
During the GFA’s meet the press briefing in early February, the message was clear; bonuses will be paid before the game against Zambia Women’s national team.
This message was reiterated by GFA’s Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum to 3Sports on 17th February,2024.
“In terms of the bonus, yes, we’ve always been on the Ministry and as recent as last week, the president once again inquired. The explanation they have given us is that they will pay, hopefully before the next game so let’s keep our fingers crossed,” Henry said.
With about 48 hours left to the crucial round 3 clash against the Copper Queens, the team are still waiting for their bonuses.
“During our usual meetings where we go through training schedules and tactics, the players make it a point to raise the unpaid bonuses issue because no one from the ministry or the Ghana Football Association has visited the team to give them assurances since camping started on Monday,” a source close to the Black Queens squad revealed to 3Sports.
“In fact, we saw these assurances on the internet. It came as a surprise. No one has actually taken time to meet the team face to face to give the assurances,” the source added.
🇬🇭 Over the past year the Black Queens have been the brightest spark in Ghana football and brought joy and pride to the country.
The rebuild has been successful enough to attract dual nationals.
Leaders are supposed to empower not be a hinderance. Our Queens deserve better. pic.twitter.com/0Qzr1KOBvT
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) February 21, 2024
It has been widely reported that the Queens have threatened to boycott the crucial fixture against Zambia on Friday. 3Sports can confirm that no such talks have ever been held since the team started camping on Monday.
3Sports understands that the chair of the Black Queens management committee, Gifty Oware-Mensah, will meet the team at their camping base in the next few hours to discuss a quick resolution.
Since Nora Häuptle took charge as head coach in 2023, the team has won 10 out of 11 games, with an amazing win rate of 91%.
Black Queens coach Nora Häuptle has a win rate of 91% so far.
As the team gears up for the Olympic Qualifiers against Zambia, @Bill_Eshun compares her record to other Ghanaian coaches in the last five years.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/SSM1OrpdCO
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 23, 2024
The last time a Ghanaian football team (male and female) qualified for the Olympic games was in 2004.
By Bill Eshun | 3Sports | Ghana