Ghana Football Association Executive Council member Gifty Oware-Mensah has stirred controversy with her recent remarks defending the preferential treatment of the senior men's national team, the Black Stars, over the senior women's national team, the Black Queens.
Despite the Black Queens being owed outstanding bonuses for their qualification games for major tournaments, Oware-Mensah minimized the issue, asserting the perceived importance of the Black Stars.
"The Ghana Football Association sells brands and products, and our foremost product is the Black Stars, which has global recognition," Oware-Mensah, who also heads the Black Queens management committee, remarked.
She argued that the male team garners more attention and support from the country, justifying their priority treatment.
"The male team receives more attention and support from the country, and it's only natural that they receive priority treatment."
Oware-Mensah's comments have surfaced amid a dispute over unpaid bonuses for the Black Queens, raising concerns about gender equality and fair treatment in football.
The Black Queens are reportedly owed $7,500 each for their qualification games, with payments reduced by 50% due to financial constraints.
This issue has prompted discussions about the differential treatment of men's and women's teams in Ghanaian football.
However, Oware-Mensah maintained that the Black Stars' marketability justifies their preferential treatment, suggesting that the Black Queens should prioritize patriotism over financial compensation.
"They say half a loaf is better than none, and the beauty of it is that the first reason anyone should have to wear the national jersey is because of patriotism," she emphasized.
Her remarks have sparked outrage among fans and stakeholders, who argue that gender equality should be upheld in football.
Critics contend that the unequal treatment undermines efforts to promote women's football in Ghana and detracts from the progress made in the sport.
VIDEO BELOW:
The Sports Ministry has assured the Black Queens bonuses will be paid before their Olympic Games qualifier against Zambia.
Management Committee Chair of the team, Gifty Oware-Mensah has told @kweku_lawrence.
The first leg of the game is on February 23. #JoySports pic.twitter.com/C8WsPdbZJQ
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH)
">https://twitter.com/JoySportsGH/status/1758412318805725556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024
— (@JoySportsGH) February 16, 2024
">
Comments