Ghana Football Association (GFA) Head of Women’s Football Development Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong took part in FIFA’s Women in Football Leadership programme in Rabat, Morocco, between 18 and 21 October 2026.
The four-day event was held during the opening week of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026TM and brought together 50 participants from all six confederations.
The programme is led by senior FIFA officials and aims to increase female representation in football’s decision-making structures at every level of the game. It is one of 13 Women’s Football Development Programmes available to FIFA’s 211 Member Associations.
The Rabat meeting brought together graduates from the second cohort with new participants from the third. FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer Dame Sarai Bareman, FIFA Council Member Dr Johanna Wood and representatives of FIFA’s Women’s Football Division also attended.
As part of the programme, participants watched matches at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and visited FIFA’s office in Rabat.
Bareman praises value of programme
Dame Sarai Bareman said combining the two cohorts had provided an important opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge and develop professional relationships.
“Congratulations to all the participants who came together in Rabat. Bringing our two cohorts together has been an invaluable opportunity for these amazing women, from all corners of the globe, to learn from one another, share experiences and build relationships with other women who are passionate about shaping the future of football,” she said.
Bareman, who previously graduated from the programme herself, said it had influenced her own career and expressed hope that the participants would return home with fresh ideas and greater confidence.
“As a graduate of this programme myself, I know first-hand the impact it can have. It helped shape my own journey, and I genuinely believe I would not be in the role I am today without it. My hope is that everyone leaves Rabat with new perspectives, stronger connections and a renewed belief in what they can achieve – because when we empower more women to lead, we strengthen our entire game.”
Sarpong said the programme had strengthened her approach to leadership and project delivery in her role with the GFA.
“Leadership is not just about the position, I believe, but I think the kind of legacy or the impact or the inspiration that you’ll be able to leave for the people you’re leading,” she said.
“I hold it in very high esteem to be part of this programme. I have learned a lot, and I have had one-on-one communications with almost every participant in cohort two. Through that, it has expanded my idea of thinking, planning, and how to execute my projects in my role at the GFA.”
Her involvement reflects the GFA’s focus on developing women’s football and supporting female leaders within the association to help advance the women’s game in Ghana.
