Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has firmly denied reports suggesting that he encouraged the Black Queens to boycott their upcoming WAFCON qualifier against Egypt.
The controversy erupted after the national women’s team reportedly refused to train in protest over unpaid bonuses from their participation in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Each player is said to be owed $9,500, sparking frustration among the squad members who believe their efforts have not been duly rewarded.
The standoff has drawn national attention, raising fears about Ghana’s qualification chances for the 2026 WAFCON, which also serves as a qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
However, Minister Kofi Adams has dismissed claims that he advised or supported the boycott. Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, he described such allegations as “baseless and illogical,” stating that he would never encourage an action that could jeopardize both the team’s image and the nation’s football ambitions.
“It is absurd to say I told them to go on strike or that I visited the camp to suggest such a thing,” he stated. “A boycott will harm the nation, but Ghana will recover. Those who lead it, however, will forever carry that label.”
The Minister cautioned the players to consider the long-term impact of their decisions, emphasizing that such actions could permanently affect their reputations within Ghanaian football.
The Black Queens currently hold a 3–0 advantage from the first leg of their tie against Egypt, with the decisive return leg scheduled for October 28 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Despite their strong position on the pitch, tensions over unpaid bonuses continue to cloud the atmosphere, casting uncertainty over the team’s momentum and focus heading into the crucial fixture.