The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of a “potentially systemic failure” in managing the welfare of Ghanaian athletes, following reported challenges involving the Black Queens and Ghana’s contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Youth and Sports and Recreation, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, said the complaints point to serious administrative and financial failures by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
In a statement, Mr Assafuah described the reports as “a troubling pattern of administrative failure, financial uncertainty and disregard for the welfare of Ghanaian athletes.”
The concerns follow reports from members of Ghana’s Commonwealth Games contingent about late airline tickets, missing luggage allowances and difficulties locating some tickets.
According to the Minority, some athletes and officials were forced to abandon scheduled flights, return home or use alternative transport, including trains and buses.
The statement also alleged that competition kits arrived late, with some athletes receiving them only after their events had ended. Others reportedly had to secure private sponsorship or personally arrange equipment needed to compete for Ghana.
The Minority also questioned why athletes allegedly travelled to Glasgow without clear information about their financial entitlements.
“Team Ghana departed without being informed of the amount of per diem or medal bonuses they would receive,” Mr Assafuah said.
He also raised concerns about raincoats for athletes competing outdoors, as well as the accommodation and deployment of officials assigned to supervise the contingent.
However, he described the reported treatment of a para athlete as the most disturbing allegation. According to the statement, the athlete was checked out of his hotel hours after competing, allegedly without receiving his per diem, and taken to the airport at 5:55 a.m. for a 3:00 p.m. flight.
“If established, this treatment would constitute an unacceptable disregard for the dignity and welfare of an athlete who had sacrificed to represent Ghana,” he said.
The Minority said the concerns extend beyond the Commonwealth Games, pointing to the Black Queens’ recent complaints over outstanding bonuses and unpaid per diems. The players have raised concerns over payments relating to Egypt 2025, WAFCON qualification and group stage performances, while also calling for better management, mental health support and improved welfare. Mr Assafuah said the complaints should no longer be treated as isolated incidents.
“This is no longer an isolated complaint. It points to a potentially systemic failure in the government’s management of our national athletes,” he stated.
The Minority is demanding a comprehensive account from the Sports Ministry on the ticketing, accommodation, equipment and welfare arrangements for Team Ghana in Glasgow.
It is also calling for the immediate payment of all outstanding per diems, bonuses and other financial entitlements owed to the Commonwealth Games athletes and the Black Queens. Mr Assafuah further wants the government to disclose the approved budget for Ghana’s participation in the Games, including spending on travel, accommodation, kits, officials, per diems and medal bonuses.
He is also demanding an independent investigation into the alleged treatment of the para athlete and other reported incidents, as well as a formal briefing to Parliament by the Minister for Sports and Recreation.
The Minority is additionally calling for a clear athlete welfare protocol covering travel, accommodation, equipment, supervision, medical care, mental health support and financial entitlements for every national assignment.
“Our athletes are not an afterthought. They are citizens who sacrifice their bodies, careers and personal comfort to carry Ghana’s flag before the world. They deserve preparation, protection, transparency and respect,” Mr Assafuah said.
He warned that the government cannot celebrate Ghanaian athletes when they win medals while failing to protect their welfare.
“The government cannot celebrate medals and national glory while neglecting the very people whose sacrifices make those achievements possible,” he said.
“Accountability must be immediate, and every outstanding commitment to our athletes must be honoured without further delay.”
