Kofi Adams Confirms Unpaid Bonuses for Otto Addo and Black Stars Players for World Cup Qualification
Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by outstanding financial obligations, with Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams confirming that portions of agreed bonuses remain unpaid.
Speaking in a radio interview, the Minister revealed that players, technical staff, and management are still awaiting the second half of their qualification bonuses, despite the team securing a place at the global tournament.
“Qualification bonus yet to be paid to players. We had an agreement with the players that 50 per cent of the bonuses would be paid to the players, and after qualification, the additional 50 per cent would be paid,” he explained on Asempa FM.
“As it stands, the qualification bonus, which is the additional 50 per cent, is yet to be paid to the players,” he added.
The payment structure had been agreed prior to the resumption of the qualifiers in 2025, with an initial installment settled and the remainder tied to successful qualification—a target Ghana achieved after finishing top of their group.
The Minister also disclosed that former head coach Otto Addo is among those yet to receive the outstanding balance.
“Otto Addo qualified the team for the World Cup, and we are yet to pay him the additional 50 per cent of the qualification bonus,” he noted.
Ghana’s return to the World Cup marks their fifth appearance. They have been drawn in Group L, where they are set to face England, Croatia, and Panama, beginning their campaign on June 17. With expectations building, attention will now turn to how quickly the financial issues are resolved to ensure focus remains firmly on performance.
