Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has appealed for increased support for the national women’s football team, the Black Queens, as they gear up to compete in the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The competition kicks off on Monday, July 7.
In her statement to the House on Tuesday, Hon. Appiagyei drew attention to the evident disparities in the way Ghana’s male and female national football teams are treated. She asserted that the Black Queens deserve equal recognition, resources, and respect from the nation.
“Our Black Queens are not just athletes; they are national ambassadors who embody resilience, ambition, and the spirit of gender equity,” she declared.
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The Deputy Minority Leader stressed the Black Queens’ notable historical achievements, reminding Parliament that they were the pioneering senior national team to secure Ghana’s qualification for a FIFA World Cup – this landmark achievement occurred at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in the United States, a full seven years before the Black Stars made their debut in 2006.
According to Hon. Appiagyei, the Black Queens’ track record speaks volumes. They have reached the finals of the Women’s AFCON on three separate occasions, have qualified for the prestigious tournament an impressive 12 times, and have demonstrated remarkable momentum over the past year, having scored 34 goals while only conceding two in their 11 most recent matches.
Hon. Appiagyei voiced criticism regarding the persistent issue of underinvestment in women’s football in Ghana, calling for a fundamental shift in the national mindset.
“While the Black Stars have historically benefited from substantial support, the same cannot be said for our Black Queens. These achievements are not insignificant milestones. They serve as compelling evidence that when provided with the necessary opportunities, our women can and do excel beyond all expectations,” she stated.
Drawing a parallel with the highly successful U.S. women’s national team as a shining example, she emphasised the crucial importance of making strategic investments in women’s sports. She argued that this is not only a matter of basic equity but also a significant issue of national interest that warrants serious attention.
“The true measure of empowerment lies in the depth of our investments in the potential of women and the seriousness with which we translate our stated commitments into tangible action,” she added.
Hon. Appiagyei also referred to the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act (Act 1121) in July 2024, as well as the historic election of Ghana’s first female Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, as clear indicators that gender empowerment has now become a firm national commitment.
“This is not merely symbolic,” she emphasised. “The time has come for our support for women to transition from policy pronouncements to visible, practical action – and this includes the vital domain of sports.”
The Deputy Minority Leader appealed to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, urging the Minister to ensure that the Black Queens receive comprehensive logistical, technical, financial, and motivational support as they prepare to participate in the upcoming AFCON tournament.
She extended her appeal to corporate Ghana, development partners, the media fraternity, and the general public, encouraging them to rally behind the team through financial contributions, increased media visibility, and enthusiastic engagement with the Black Queens’ journey.