Medalists from the 2023 African Games are expressing frustration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports over unpaid bonuses from the continental competition.

Winifred Ntumi, Ghana’s gold medalist in weightlifting at the Games, has revealed that she and other medalists have yet to receive the bonuses promised for their achievements.

Despite their efforts to contact the government regarding the unpaid bonuses, they have received no response since the conclusion of the competition.

Speaking anonymously to Joy Sports, some medalists confirmed that they, too, have not received their due bonuses.

“It’s disappointing. We haven’t heard anything from them,” one medalist expressed on Happy FM. “Even when we try to reach out, we get no response.”

Ntumi, who won gold and two silvers, highlighted the stark contrast to her experience at the previous African Games in Rabat, Morocco, where she received her bonus immediately after the competition.

“This delay is disheartening, especially being in my home country,” Ntumi lamented. “In Rabat, I received my bonus right after competing. This time, it’s been over a month since the competition ended.”

Before the African Games began, the ministry had announced cash bonuses for medalists: $3000 for gold, $2000 for silver, and $1000 for bronze.

Ghana’s impressive performance at the Games, securing 69 medals in total, marked a historic achievement for the country in the competition’s 59-year history. The medals were distributed across 10 sporting disciplines, with armwrestling contributing the majority, accounting for 60% of Ghana’s medal tally.