Sports Ministry refutes claims of dismissive remarks to Black Queens
Wonder Mandel, special assistant to Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams, has refuted media reports suggesting that the Minister told the Black Queens they could leave camp if they refused to play against Egypt due to unpaid bonuses.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Mandel clarified that during a Sunday meeting with the team — attended by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku — the Minister never issued such a statement.
“The Minister never told the players, ‘If you won’t play, you can go home.’ He would never say that, and he didn’t say that,” Mandel stated.
The Black Queens are owed $9,500 each from their 2024 WAFCON campaign in Morocco, and have threatened to boycott training and matches until the bonuses are paid.
Mandel explained that Minister Adams assured the players he was actively working to resolve the issue, with the funds being pursued through the Presidency and Ministry of Finance.
“He promised the players they would be paid as soon as the funds were released,” Mandel added.
“The Minister will never say that ‘if you won’t play, go home’—and he didn’t say that” – Special Assistant to Kofi Adams, Wonder Sitsofe, clears the air.#SportyBreakfast https://t.co/dpI7OuF8M6 pic.twitter.com/QX9asH2D1v
— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) October 27, 2025
Despite the assurances, the players have remained firm in their stance, insisting they will not play until the matter is resolved.
Coming up next for the Black Queens:
- Match: Ghana vs Egypt (2nd leg, 2026 WAFCON Qualifier)
- Date: Tuesday, October 28
- Venue: Accra Sports Stadium
- Implication: Qualification for 2026 WAFCON and pathway to 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil
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