Minister of Sports, Kofi Adams, has issued a passionate call for sustained investment in women’s football, following the Black Queens’ bronze-medal triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
He noted that women’s football in Ghana has existed in the shadows for far too long.
The team’s 4-3 penalty shootout victory over South Africa in the third-place playoff, secured for the team a $350,000 prize.
This development has reignited national pride and solidified the team’s place as one that has huge potential to elevate Ghana’s women football on the global stage.
The Black Queens’ journey at WAFCON 2024 was a rollercoaster of resilience, marked by a 2-0 loss to South Africa, a 1-1 draw with Mali, and a commanding 4-1 win over Tanzania in the group stage.
The 4-2 penalty shootout win over Algeria in the quarter-finals propelled them to their first semi-final since 2016, where they fell 4-2 on penalties to host team, Morocco.
The bronze-medal match showcased their grit, with local stars like Comfort Yeboah, Nancy Amoh, and Kerrie McCarthy, alongside veterans like Evelyn Badu, delivering under pressure.
This achievement by Ghana’s women team at WAFCON has sparked a renewed push for structural support for women’s football.
Speaking at the Parliament House in Accra on July 29, 2025, Adams hailed the team’s performance as a wake-up call for stakeholders.
“The Black Queens have not only proven their worth as athletes but as ambassadors of Ghanaian potential. This is not about football but a powerful message that when we invest in our women and give them the platform, results will follow,” he said.
Adams emphasised that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation is committed to enhancing the welfare, training conditions and development pathways for all national teams, including the Black Queens.
He added that the Queens performance at Morocco is a springboard for renewed investment in women’s sports infrastructure and capacity building.
Despite recent progress, including increased media coverage and sponsorship from Malta Guinness, women’s football in Ghana has struggled with inadequate training facilities, limited youth programs, and inconsistent funding.
The team’s preparation for WAFCON was hampered by delayed allowances, a recurring issue that Adams vowed to address.
With the $350,000 prize set to be reinvested into player bonuses and development programs, sports minister sees WAFCON 2024 as a turning point.
The minister’s vision is clear- sustained investment in women’s football could see the Black Queens not just in the shadows, but basking in the spotlight of continental and global glory.
ALL/VPO
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