Former Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, says the Black Queens’ bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) wouldn’t have been possible without the investments made by the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, the Yagaba-Kubori MP highlighted initiatives under ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that supported the growth of women’s football — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When COVID happened, President Akufo-Addo ensured that all Women’s Premier League players received stipends. Many of these Black Queens players were direct beneficiaries,” he said.
Ussif also pointed to the numerous AstroTurf pitches constructed under the NPP government, which have become home venues for many women’s league clubs.
“These developments are what laid the foundation for the success we’re seeing now,” he added, urging the current administration to continue building sports infrastructure across districts in Ghana.
The Black Queens returned home on Monday after finishing third at WAFCON 2024 ; Ghana’s first medal at the tournament since 2016. After a rocky start, the team advanced to the semi-finals, eventually defeating South Africa on penalties to clinch bronze.
