Kofi Adams’ bonus and per diems comments have affected players morale – Black Maidens coach Joe Nana Adarkwa

Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa says remarks by Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams about bonuses and per diems have affected the morale of some players as Ghana continue their WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup campaign.

The minister recently said the Black Maidens are not owed any outstanding bonuses or per diems, explaining that the Sports Ministry does not cover such payments during qualification competitions.

According to Adams, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) funds teams at the qualification stage, while the ministry assumes responsibility only when a team reaches an approved major international tournament such as the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Adarkwa, however, believes the comments have had an impact on his squad, insisting financial incentives remain an important source of motivation for players representing the country.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ladies Time, the coach questioned why support had been provided for the Black Princesses but not the Black Maidens.

“What the Minister said concerning the Maidens’ per diems and bonuses dampened some of the girls’ spirits,” he said.

“Every player knows that if they play ball, they get their per diem and bonuses for qualifying for the World Cup. If the Ministry can pay the Under-20, why can’t they pay the Under-17?”

The Black Maidens coach also defended the credentials of coaches working with Ghana’s youth national teams, rejecting any suggestion that coaching at junior level should be viewed differently.

“The coaches who coach the under categories have qualification certificates,” he said.

“Whether you coach women’s football or not, it’s the same game being played. Coaching women’s football, I will say, might be harder.”

Ghana are using the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while the regional tournament also serves as a qualifier for the inaugural U-17 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Maidens began the competition with an emphatic 4-0 win over Burkina Faso before suffering a 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in their second Group C match.

They had already secured qualification for the World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside Brazil, Norway and Canada in Group C.

Despite the off-field distractions, Adarkwa says his side will not allow the controversy to derail their campaign.

“We will not lose hope over what was said; we will continue to play football that will lift the flag high,” he added.

“We will psych them up for the three remaining games and see where we finish.”

Ghana are second in Group C and will look to return to winning ways when they face Togo today, Monday, September 21.