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Amid the current dispute over unpaid bonuses for the Black Queens, the generous act of former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan in 2016 has resurfaced.
The striker had come to the rescue of the Black Queens during a similar situation in the past when the Ministry of Youth and Sports failed to pay them on time.
The issue dates back to 2015 when the Black Queens participated in the African Games in Congo Brazzaville. Despite winning Gold, the players were reportedly ignored, and their bonuses remained unpaid, leading to a demonstration at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
As the current Black Queens squad face a similar predicament with unpaid bonuses, journalist Jerome Otchere brought attention to the past incident in a recent social media post.
in a social media post, the former Asante Kotoko editor wrote, “Dateline: 2016. Black Queens demonstrate over unpaid bonuses at the @moysgovgh [Ministry of Youth and Sports]. “Eight years on, there’s still disquiet over their unpaid bonuses for three games from October 2023.” How’s Ghana football and sports in safe hands?
“@GhanaBlackstars [Ghana Black Stars] and their officials are paid millions of dollars as appearance fees and non performance at tournaments including AFCON and FIFA World Cup.”
“Black Queens have to hit the streets and even beg authorities before they’re paid a few thousands of dollars. What kind of football/sports administration is that? When would leadership ever learn? Please, #PayBlackQueens.”
Journalist Benedict Owusu added more context to the situation, recalling how Asamoah Gyan had stepped in to help the players back in 2015. Gyan had reportedly offered them $10,000 in Congo, but the gesture went unnoticed by the nation. Gyan confirmed the claim, stating that he had later promised and fulfilled an additional $30,000 after the team won the tournament.
Currently, the Black Queens are reported to be owed $7,500 for qualification matches in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and Olympic Games qualifiers. Amidst the growing controversy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has responded, assuring the Black Queens that their bonuses will be settled on Thursday afternoon, just in time for their crucial Olympic Games qualifier against Zambia on Friday.
The situation raises concerns about the disparity in treatment and financial support between male and female football teams in Ghana, prompting calls for improved leadership and fairness in sports administration. The calls to pay the Black Queens have has gained traction on social media, as fans and supporters advocate for the timely payment of the Black Queens.
