Nearly a decade after Ghana’s Black Princesses qualified for the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, three winning bonuses from the qualifying campaign remain unpaid, according to former head coach Didi Dramani.
Dramani, who guided the team to the tournament in Papua New Guinea, says the players were entitled to four winning bonuses during the qualification process but have received payment for only one.
Speaking on Asempa FM, the former Hearts of Oak coach revealed that some members of the squad continue to contact him over the outstanding payments, hoping he can help draw the authorities’ attention to their situation.
He said the issue had dragged on for years, leaving former players still seeking money they believe they are owed for their contribution to the team’s successful qualification campaign.
“As I speak with you now, since 2016 when I sent the Black Princesses to the World Cup, they have only paid one of four qualifying winning bonuses. I still receive their calls about their unpaid bonuses because they feel that I should be someone who can push for it,” he said.
Dramani expressed frustration that the matter had remained unresolved for so long, questioning why the relevant authorities had not communicated with the affected players to explain the delay or provide an update.
“Why is it like that? Because it is not supposed to be so. They could have at least had time to speak with them and let them know they are aware of the situation,” he added.
The former coach’s comments have renewed attention on the outstanding payments to members of the Black Princesses squad, who represented Ghana at the 2016 tournament after progressing through the qualifying campaign.
For the players involved, the issue extends beyond the passage of time. Dramani’s account suggests that some are still seeking clarity on when the remaining bonuses will be paid, while continuing to rely on their former coach to raise their concerns.
The outstanding payments, as described by Dramani, remain a matter awaiting resolution nearly 10 years after the team secured its place at the global competition.
