The Black Stars technical team, led by head coach Otto Addo, alongside assistants John Paintsil, Joseph Laumann, and Fatau Dauda, has reportedly gone unpaid for the past four months. The team is also owed two winning bonuses from their victory against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in the World Cup qualifiers.
Despite their current position at the top of Group I in the qualifiers, the Black Stars failed to secure a spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The situation adds to the growing concerns about the lack of financial commitment from the government towards the national teams and their technical staff.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports earlier spent a reported $247 million on the 13th African Games in March 2024. However, the ministry has faced backlash for failing to allocate funds to settle the salaries and bonuses of the Black Stars technical team.
In another disappointing development, the Black Queens’ planned international friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia were canceled due to a lack of funds. The team required $40,000 to play the matches, but the government cited financial constraints, leading to the cancellation of both games.
As the NPP government prepares to leave office, the issue of unpaid salaries has sparked public outcry, with many calling for the government to address the outstanding payments to the Black Stars coaches before their tenure ends.
The situation underscores broader concerns about the prioritization of sports funding in Ghana, particularly as national teams struggle with inadequate support. Many stakeholders hope for a resolution that ensures the timely payment of coaches and the development of football in the country.