Ghana’s Sports Minister, Nii Lante Vanderpuijye has ensured the disbursement of a $6,000 amount in part-payment of outstanding bonuses owed the senior national female football team, the Black Queens.
The team, it is understood, was owed an accumulated $24,000 in winning bonuses over the past year but have been impressed upon and accepted a payment of half the amount following talks initiated by the new Sports Minister.
The Black Queens after booking their place to the 2016 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations with a 6-1 aggregate score over Tunisia on Tuesday received the $6,000 amount.
“Certainly, this is a pleasant surprise and we’re happy about it,” team captain Mercy Myles said in reaction to the news.
“But our joy will be complete when the rest of the bonuses, including our double victory over Tunisia are paid,” she quickly added.
The Sports Minister also promised the payment of the remainder before the start of the Cameroon Championship in November.
Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea and Egypt have qualified to join hosts Cameroon at the 10th edition of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. The Championship is slated for November 19 to December 3, 2016.