GFA boss Kurt Okraku urges Black Queens to aim higher in future competitions after WAFCON display

President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has charged players of the senior women's national team to target the ultimate at future tournaments following their WAFCON performance. 

The Black Queens finished third at the just-concluded Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, beating the then-defending champions South Africa to claim bronze.

The players and technical team led by the FA boss met President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House following their return from Rabat.

In a statement posted on Kurt Okraku's official Facebook page, the FA chief expressed his profound gratitude to Ghanaians, opening up on his long-term goal for football while also urging the Black Queens to aim for gold.

He wrote: "Today, I led the players and technical team of our cherished Black Queens, alongside members of the Executive Council of the Football Association, on a courtesy visit to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and Her Excellency Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, at the Jubilee House. This visit followed the team’s triumphant return from the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they secured a well deserved bronze medal.

"During the visit, I extended our heartfelt gratitude to the President and the Government for the unwavering support provided throughout the team’s campaign. This achievement would not have been possible without the collective backing of the state, and I used the occasion to advocate for continued and increased investment in women’s football.

"I also reflected on the journey since I assumed office in 2019, at a time when Ghanaian football was at its lowest ebb. Through bold leadership and decisive reforms, we began rebuilding from the ground up, with a strong emphasis on the women’s game. Our efforts have included strategic investments and the revival of grassroots structures, laying a solid foundation for sustainable development.

"A cornerstone of our progress has been the partnership with FIFA through the Talent Development Scheme (TDS). This initiative has allowed us to identify and nurture young talents across the country, starting in the northern region with the establishment of the GFA Elite Academy at Bolgatanga Senior High School (Big Boss). Here, gifted boys and girls have been enrolled, given opportunities, and empowered to grow within a structured football environment.

"The Football Association remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Government, particularly through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to continue identifying talent and enhancing the women’s game nationwide.

"Once again, I wish to congratulate the Black Queens for their outstanding performance and for placing Ghana back at the summit of African football after nearly a decade. This achievement is a proud moment for our country and a reminder that Ghana belongs at the top. Our ambition remains to build on this success and aim even higher in future continental competitions. Together, we rise."

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