The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has refuted reports claiming he told the Black Queens to boycott their upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Egypt over unpaid bonuses.
The women’s senior national team, who defeated Egypt 3–0 in the first leg last week in Ismailia, have refused to train ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ahead of the game, reports have emerged suggesting that during a meeting with the players, the Sports Minister allegedly said they could go ahead with the boycott and that the government would replace them if sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) were imposed.
However, in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Mr Adams dismissed those claims as false and misleading.
“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?” the Member of Parliament of Buem Consistiuency said.
“So this morning, we are shocked to see [the stories]. I may not blame them [players] entirely.”
Mr Adams explained that while a boycott would negatively affect the nation, it would also have lasting consequences for the players involved.
“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,” he added.
Reports indicate that each Black Queens player is owed $9,500 in unpaid bonuses from their previous international engagements, a situation that has fueled growing discontent within the squad.
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