Ghana Sports: Black Princesses Protest Unpaid Dues as Nsawam Inmates Secure International Chess Qualification

Ghana's sports scene this week is marked by a blend of international triumph and internal administrative friction. While the national Under-20 women’s football team, the Black Princesses, have secured their eighth consecutive FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup berth, the celebration is overshadowed by a sit-in protest over unpaid allowances. Simultaneously, a remarkable feat of rehabilitation has emerged from the Nsawam Prisons, where inmates have qualified to represent the African continent in the prestigious 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners. These two narratives showcase the diverse landscape of Ghanaian sports, ranging from the heights of competitive football to the strategic depths of intellectual rehabilitation.

The Black Princesses are currently refusing to vacate their training camp following their successful qualification for the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup. Despite a 1-1 draw against Uganda—which followed a 2-1 victory in Accra—the players have expressed deep concerns regarding unpaid per diems spanning their last two qualifying series against South Africa and Uganda. The squad remains at their hotel, fearing that once they disperse, the discussions regarding their outstanding debts will be abandoned by authorities. Although the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has provided a small stipend, the players remain firm in their resolve to have their dues settled before closing camp, highlighting a recurring challenge in the financial management of national sports teams.

In a contrasting story of discipline and mental fortitude, inmates from the Nsawam Medium Security Prison and the Nsawam Female Prison have achieved a historic milestone in the "Chess for Freedom" initiative. The Nsawam Female Prison team emerged victorious in the female category, while the male team secured a commendable second place in the senior division of the qualifying rounds. This performance ensures their participation in the 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, scheduled for October 14–16, 2025. The competition, which features over 135 teams from 57 countries, underscores the transformative power of chess as a tool for rehabilitation and intellectual development within the correctional system.

Eastern Regional Commander DDP Patrick Thomas Seidu, alongside DDP Victoria Adzewodah, the Officer in Charge of the Nsawam Female Prison, have praised the inmates for their dedication and the international recognition they have brought to Ghana's prison service. The success of the program serves as a testament to the potential for reform through strategic gaming. Looking ahead, the inmates are also slated to represent Africa at a live intercontinental chess tournament in October 2026. This achievement provides a hopeful perspective on how unconventional sports programs can provide inmates with a sense of purpose and a platform for global excellence, even as the nation's football stars fight for the compensation they have earned on the pitch.