Okraku Addresses the Presidency During Black Queens’ Visit

During the Black Queens’ courtesy call on the presidency after their historic bronze medal finish at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, CAF 2nd Vice President and GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku gave an impassioned speech at the Jubilee House.

Okraku praised the Black Queens’ achievement as a “turning point” for women’s football in Ghana and thanked the Presidency for its ongoing support of the sport.

“The Black Queens’ performance is a testament to the strength, talent, and right investments made in women’s football since this administration took office in 2019,” he said.

He said the accomplishment was more than just a medal, showing Ghanaian girls that their aspirations to play football are realistic and achievable. President Simeon-Okraku commended the players for their discipline, cohesion, and tenacity, as well as head coach Kim Lars Björkegren and his technical staff for changing the team.

Okraku thinks Ghana can become one of the greatest in the world and reclaim its position at the top of Africa with the correct investment, policy support, and steady assistance. He emphasized the need to build on the momentum generated by the team’s recent victory and called for more funding for female players’ welfare programs, youth development, and infrastructure.

President Simeon-Okraku pledged the GFA’s commitment to the government’s agenda in sports, particularly in resetting and developing football. The Black Queens’ visit to the Presidency was part of their official homecoming engagements after a commendable showing at WAFCON 2024.

Black Queens Visit Parliament Following WAFCON Performance

Following Black Queens‘ outstanding performance in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Black Queens made a courtesy visit to Parliament on Tuesday.

Members of Parliament gave the squad a standing ovation and a warm welcome, led by captain Portia Boakye and head coach Kim. The team’s bronze medal victory, Ghana’s first WAFCON podium result in almost ten years, was celebrated during the visit.

Honorable Andrew Asiamah Amoako, the second deputy speaker, praised the Black Queens as “national heroines,” lauding their bravery, solidarity, and patriotism on the continent.

“You have reignited hope and pride in Ghanaian football. Your resilience on the pitch reflects the strength of Ghanaian women,” he said.

The team received special commendations from both the Minority and Majority caucuses, with MPs expressing admiration for their performance. The visit also sparked discussions on gender equity in sports, with calls for increased funding, improved infrastructure, and better welfare packages for female athletes.

The Black Queens’ achievement has captivated the nation, sparking renewed conversations about the future of women’s football in Ghana.

President Kurt E.S Okraku leads GFA Executive Council to welcome Black Queens after WAFCON feat

Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the president of the Ghana Football Association, led a strong Executive Council delegation to greet the Black Queens at Kotoka International Airport after the team’s remarkable bronze medal performance at the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Black Queens’ remarkable accomplishment was praised by the Ghanaian football leader, who described it as a turning point in the country’s women’s football revival.

As we received our national heroes, the air at the airport was filled with pride and happiness. Their bronze medal is a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to the flag of Ghana.”

He congratulated the players, technical staff, and management from the bottom of his heart and praised their discipline, teamwork, and hard work during the competition.

“On behalf of the Football Association and the entire football-loving nation, I warmly congratulate the entire team. This remarkable achievement has not only lifted the spirit of the nation but has also restored faith in the continued rise of women’s football in Ghana.”

The Black Queens’ performance in Morocco, which saw them secure a podium finish amidst fierce continental competition, was lauded as a clear indication of Ghana’s growing stature in the women’s game.

“I commend the team for demonstrating true sportsmanship and representing Ghana with honour on the continental stage. This bronze medal must serve as a stepping stone to even greater accomplishments as we prepare for upcoming qualifiers and international tournaments. The future holds immense promise, and we believe the best is yet to come.”

In reaffirming the GFA’s strategic commitment to women’s football, President Simeon-Okraku highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the foundation of the game through investment and development.

“The Football Association remains deeply committed to the advancement of women’s football. As part of our Women’s Football Strategy, we will continue to invest in grassroots development, coaching capacity, infrastructure, and competitive structures to ensure the sustained growth and success of the women’s game.”

The return of the Black Queens has ignited national excitement and renewed hope, particularly among aspiring female footballers across the country. Their success, the official said, goes beyond medals.

“We are proud of the Black Queens for inspiring the next generation of female footballers in Ghana. Their journey is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that with dedication and belief, our women can conquer the world of football.”

Black Queens Bow Out After Heartbreaking Penalty Shootout Defeat to Morocco

Ghana lost 4-2 to Morocco, missing out on a position in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals as Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah missed their penalty kicks.

After Sakina Ouzraoui scored 10 minutes inside the second half to negate Stella Nyamekye’s 26th-minute goal, regulation time plus an additional 30 minutes finished in a draw.

The starting lineup that defeated Algeria on penalties to guarantee a spot in the semifinals was kept by Kim Lars Bjorkegren.

The Black Queens made an excellent start to the game, giving away very little in terms of possession, despite the hostile environment.

Ghana also created a few chances of their own with Stella Nyamekye and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah forcing decent saves out of Morocco goalkeeper, Khadija Er-Rmichi.

She made a superb stop on Josephine Bonsu’s header, but was unable to block Stella Nyamekye’s rebound attempt, which gave the Black Queens the game’s lead.

Princess Marfo and Doris Boaduwaa had opportunities to give Ghana more goals before halftime, but they fumbled their lines at the last second. A last-ditch clearing by defensive stalwart Susan Ama Duah stopped a Moroccan goal.

Stella’s goal was the difference maker as the two teams entered the half. After the Atlas Lionesses goalie made a mistake, it might have been a fantastic start to the second half, but Stella was unable to score with a sneaky loop.

Cynthia Konlan was forced into her first save of the game when she tipped Najat Badri’s curler over the crossbar.

Just when the game seemed to be taking off again, the Black Queens conceded after Sakina Ouzraoui’s beat Cynthia to the ball to make it 1-1.

Despite the Moroccan pressure after the equaliser, the Ghanaian team was up to task forcing the game into extra time for the second consecutive game.

It was a cagey affair as both sides failed to get the much needed goal as the match ended in penalties.

Hosts Morocco netted all their spot kicks as Evelyn and Comfort missed theirs and as a result, Ghana was unable to make it to the final for the first time since 2006.