The senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, has presented their bronze medal from the recently concluded CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco to President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President during a ceremony at the Jubilee House.
The presentation, led by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Kofi Adams and accompanied by GFA President Kurt Okraku, senior officials of the ministry, and team management, marked the Queens’ successful third-place finish in the continental tournament.
President Mahama lauded the team for their resilience, particularly in their semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, which they narrowly lost on penalties.
“You made us proud. Playing against a host country is never easy, but you stood your ground and fought gallantly,” the President said.
“Even after losing the semi-final, you were not discouraged and went on to secure the bronze medal for Ghana. You played with a lion’s heart.”
The President assured the team of his government’s commitment to invest heavily in sports development, highlighting plans to revamp Ghana’s sporting infrastructure and talent pipeline.
“Your achievement is part of the conditioning we need. We shall invest to scout talents across the country, catch them young, and train them,” Mahama said.
“We will go back to our past glory by promoting athletics, football, boxing, and other sporting disciplines.”
Under the government’s “Big Push” initiative, Mahama revealed that all regions without a stadium will be provided with modern sports facilities, while selected schools will be equipped to serve as incubation zones for young talents.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of the Interior had been directed to give recruitment priority to sports talents across the security agencies, which have facilities to help athletes hone their skills.
President Mahama pledged further support for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), stating that the government is exploring a dedicated funding source for sports to ensure consistent growth and development.
“We thank you for your hard work. Watch the progress; we will come back for something bigger — the ultimate gold medal,” he told the team. “I am optimistic that before I end my tenure, you will bring home the ultimate cup.”
As a gesture of appreciation, President Mahama and Vice President presented an undisclosed cash token to the Black Queens.
