WAFCON 2024: Ministry of Sports gift Black Queens $2,000 bonus each for reaching quarterfinals
17th July 2025
Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has awarded the Black Queens a $2,000 bonus each after the team advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) — their first appearance at this stage since 2016.
The financial reward, announced on Thursday, is in recognition of the team’s resilience and revival in the group stage, where they overcame a slow start to book a place in the last eight of the tournament in Morocco.
The Black Queens endured a difficult start to the competition, losing 2-0 to defending champions South Africa in their opening match. A 1-1 draw with Mali in the second fixture left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
But in their final Group C game, Ghana delivered a commanding performance, defeating Tanzania 4-1 to finish second in the group and secure progression to the knockout stage.
The Ministry described the reward as both a recognition of the team’s spirited fightback and a morale booster ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Algeria in Berkane.
“The Queens showed heart, determination and national pride. This gesture is to commend their efforts and encourage them to push even further in the tournament,” a spokesperson from the Ministry said.
The bonus is seen as a strategic move by the government to support the development of women’s football, which has seen growing interest and investment in Ghana over the past year. It also reflects a broader effort to reward competitive performance and galvanise the team ahead of tougher challenges.
Led by Swedish head coach Kim Björkegren, the Black Queens have been praised for their tactical versatility and mental strength, particularly in their comeback against Tanzania. Midfielder Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and winger Afua Kyerewaa Bonsu were standout performers in that crucial win, with Boye-Hlorkah earning player-of-the-match honours after scoring the final goal.
The victory secured Ghana a quarter-final meeting with Algeria on Saturday, 19 August, as the West African side looks to reach the semi-finals for the first time in nearly a decade.
Ghana’s last major run in WAFCON came in 2016, when they reached the semi-finals but missed out on a final appearance. The team is yet to win the continental title despite being one of the competition’s most consistent participants.
The current squad, however, has shown renewed promise, and the Sports Ministry’s gesture is expected to energise the group as they continue their campaign.