Black Queens' unpaid bonuses deepen Sports Ministry welfare crisis - Minority caucus demands accountability

Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of Parliament's Committee on Youth and Sports, demanded accountability from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation over what he describes as serious failures in the welfare of Ghanaian athletes. His concerns follow reports from members of Ghana's contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, alongside complaints from the Black Queens over outstanding bonuses, unpaid per diems, and inadequate welfare support. Assafuah stated the reports point to "a troubling pattern of administrative failure, financial uncertainty and disregard for the welfare of Ghanaian athletes by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the government."

Ghana's contingent reportedly faced problems with airline tickets, with some tickets issued late, without luggage allowance, or allegedly becoming difficult to locate. Some athletes and officials were reportedly forced to abandon scheduled flights or find alternative transport by train or bus. Assafuah also raised concerns over competition kits, saying some arrived only after athletes had completed their events. He said athletes also traveled without being told how much they would receive as per diems or medal bonuses, stating, "Team Ghana departed without being informed of the amount of per diem or medal bonuses they would receive." He further questioned welfare arrangements for athletes competing in outdoor events, noting raincoats were allegedly not provided despite Glasgow's predictable weather conditions.