Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has called for equal pay in wages and bonuses for Ghana’s female athletes, particularly the Black Queens, amid ongoing disputes over unpaid bonuses.
Speaking on the persistent issue, the Minister emphasized parity with their male counterparts, stating that gender should not determine compensation in sports.
“I think we should be paying equal wages to men and women,” Kwakye Ofosu declared in a side interview.
His remarks highlight a broader push for equity in Ghanaian sports, where female teams like the Black Queens have repeatedly faced delays in bonus payments despite notable achievements.
The comments follow the Black Queens’ unpaid bonuses from their bronze medal win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco.
The team secured third place in the tournament, marking a significant accomplishment, yet players have yet to receive the promised financial rewards. This incident is part of a recurring pattern, with similar grievances raised in previous years.
In a positive development, the Black Queens have qualified for the next WAFCON tournament, set to take place in Morocco in 2025. They achieved this by dominating Egypt with a 7-0 aggregate score in the qualifiers—winning 4-0 in the first leg and 3-0 in the return fixture.
This marks their second consecutive qualification, but 14th appearances, underscoring their growing dominance in African women’s football and their role in representing Ghana on the continental stage.
Kwakye Ofosu’s advocacy comes at a time when global discussions on gender pay gaps in sports are intensifying.
In Ghana, the male national team, the Black Stars, has historically received higher bonuses and wages, often justified by larger fan bases and commercial appeal.
However, supporters of equal pay argue that performance and dedication should be the primary metrics, especially as women’s football gains traction.
The Ministry of Sport and Recreation has been urged to address the bonus arrears promptly and implement policies ensuring pay equity.
As the Black Queens prepare for the 2026 WAFCON, stakeholders hope these statements translate into concrete actions, fostering a more inclusive environment for Ghana’s female athletes.