Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon Kofi Iddie Adams has denied categorically that he never asked the Black Queens to walkway from the game against Egypt due to unpaid bonuses.
The Black Queens are almost after an emphatic 0-3 against Cleopatras in the first leg last Thursday, October 23, in what was a very fascinating game in Ismailia.
Doris Boaduwaa opened the scoring with a cool finish coupled with two other second half goals from Mary Amponsah and Grace Asantewaa to seal the victory.
The team right on their return to the country have refused to train since Friday to prepare for the return encounter and this is to protest against their unpaid bonuses of $9,500 each from the last WAFCON, where they clinched bronze.
However, meeting with Sports Minister Hon. Kofi Adams didn’t end well as he’s reportedly told the players to leave the team’s base Erata Hotel and return to their various clubs if they are still not willing to play.
Speaking on Asempa FM in Accra, the Sports Minister admitted he had meeting with the entire team over the arrears but at no point did he asked them to leave but only questioned their patriotism.
"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?" he questioned. "So this morning, we are shocked to see [the stories]. I may not blame them [players] entirely."
He added: "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."
The senior women national football team of Ghana are expected to resume training this afternoon after days off to begin preparations towards their second leg clash against Egypt in the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.
The second leg against Egypt is slated for Tuesday, October 28, at the Ohene Gyan Stadium at 15:30GMT (3:30pm)
