Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured Ghanaians that members of the national women’s football team, the Black Queens, are safe and in good health while in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a Facebook post on Sunday, March 1, Mr. Ablakwa said he had personally communicated with the team’s leadership and confirmed their well-being. He added that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the UAE is providing active consular support to the squad.
“In this turbulent moment, the safety and welfare of all Ghanaians, particularly those currently in the Middle East, remains our utmost priority,” he stated.
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The minister’s reassurance comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with reports indicating that countries such as Qatar and Kuwait have temporarily closed their airspace following military actions and retaliatory strikes.
These developments had sparked concerns that the Black Queens may have been stranded due to disruptions in regional air travel.
The team arrived in Dubai on February 25 to participate in the Pink Ladies Cup, a four-nation invitational competition on the international women’s football calendar.
Ghana’s delegation, made up of 25 players and 16 officials, is currently accommodated at Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah, located near Dubai.
Team officials have reportedly instructed players to pack their belongings as a precautionary measure while awaiting further instructions, should the security situation require relocation or early departure.
Despite the uncertainty, authorities say there is no immediate threat to the team, and arrangements are in place to ensure their continued safety.
Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to monitoring the situation closely and providing all necessary support to Ghanaian nationals in the region.