Tuesday, 29th July, 2025
Hon Kofi Iddie Adams
Buem
Mr Speaker, I rise to address this august House, not just as a Minister, but as a proud Ghanaian, to commend the remarkable performance of Ghana’s senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, who sit with us in the gallery today as history makers, having secured a bronze medal at the just ended 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Mr Speaker, the Black Queens arrived at the tournament with a modest fanfare but high expectations. Drawn into a competitive group, the team began their campaign with difficult loss to defending champions South Africa, followed by a draw against Mali. They rebounded emphatically with a resounding 4-1 victory over Tanzania, securing qualification to the quarter-finals.
Mr Speaker, in the knockout stage, they delivered a memorable performance, edging out a formidable Algerian side on penalties to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2016. Though they were narrowly defeated by the host nation, Morocco, in a dramatic 120-minute semi-final that ended in a penalty shootout, they regrouped and returned to face South Africa once more in the third-place playoff. Again, they emerged victorious, securing the bronze medal.
Mr Speaker, this milestone was not achieved on the back of comfort or ease. The Black Queens endured a challenging path throughout the competition, including two back-toback 120-minute matches and three penalty shootouts, all of which they approached with discipline, character, and tactical maturity. Their return to the WAFCON podium, for the first time since 2016, is not coincidental. It reflects the targeted investments and renewed focus on women’s football. Significantly, both podium finishes in 2016 and now in 2025, have come under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
This, in no doubt, reaffirms the deliberate attention this Administration accords the women’s sports development. Mr Speaker, the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, fulfilled largely, every commitment to the Black Queens by providing comprehensive technical, logistical, and welfare support before and throughout the competition. From pre-camp preparations to the disbursement of what is due them. I would say that they lacked nothing under our watch. I personally showed a lot of interest in attending their games and training points, just to motivate them.
Mr Speaker, in saluting this achievement, it is important that we recognise the 24 gallant women who proudly wore the national colours and carried the hopes of our nation. They include: Goalkeepers – Kerry McCarthy, Cynthia Fiindib Konlan, Afi Amenyaku, who saved those great penalties, both to send us to the semifinals and also to give us the bronze. Defenders –Ernestina Abambilla, Susan Duah, Josephine Bonsu, Portia Boakye, Nina Norshie, Comfort Yeboah, Louisa Aniwaa and Anastasia Achiaa. Midfielders – Grace Asantewaa, Nancy Amoh, Evelyn Badu, Chantelle B. Hlorkah, Jacqueline Owusu, Stella Nyamekye and Jennifer Cudjoe. Forwards – Alice Kusi, Doris Boaduwaa, Wasima Mohammed, Sherifatu Sumaila, Princella Adubea and Princess Marfo. To these remarkable women, this House and the Nation say: Ayekoo.
Their names will inspire the next generation, not only for what they achieved, but for how they carried themselves with dignity, strength, and unrelenting sense of purpose. There was so much sense of purpose in these players as they played 120 minutes back-to-back, but they continued to show strength. Mr Speaker, these results required unity, both on and off the pitch. I acknowledge the entire technical team, ably led by Head Coach Kim Lars Björkegren — if Kim Lars is here, I salute him — the management group, and the Ghana Football Association, for their dedication, professionalism, commitment, and steering the ship.
One person, our former Colleague, Hon Betty Krosbi Mensah, who is my technical advisor, played a key role in getting this through, and I recognise her at this moment. Mr Speaker, I further extend, on behalf of the Ministry and Government, our deepest appreciation to the Ambassador of Ghana to the Kingdom of Morocco, Her Excellency Mrs Charity Gbedawo, and the entire Diplomatic Mission. Their exceptional hospitality and logistical support were instrumental to the comfort and morale of the team and delegation. Indeed, considering the investment that is being made in Morocco, and the number of events that will be happening there, that Mission deserves further recognition and support.
Mr Speaker, we also celebrate the Ghana supporters who travelled at their own expense, and stood firm in the stance from start to finish, creating a home crowd atmosphere for the team throughout the tournament. Their passion and selfless commitment were a vital source of motivation for the Black Queens.
Mr Speaker, the performance of the Black Queens must serve as a national rallying point. This is the moment for state institutions, corporate Ghana, and the general public to move beyond symbolic praise and commit to sustained investment in women’s sport. The Queens have not only proven their worth as athletes, but as ambassadors of Ghanaian potential. This is not just about football; it is a powerful message that when we invest in our women and give them the platform, results will follow. For too long, women’s football in Ghana has existed in the shadows. The Black Queens have broken that ceiling. Through sweat, unity, and excellence, they have earned the nation’s attention.
Mr Speaker, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation remains committed to enhancing the welfare, training conditions, and development pathways for all national teams, including the Black Queens. This performance is a springboard for renewed investment in women’s sports infrastructure and capacity building. The Government will continue to provide the platform and resources for our female athletes to excel at the highest level.
Mr Speaker, I invite all Hon Members, and indeed every Ghanaian, to rise and salute the Black Queens for the courage, discipline, and conviction they displayed throughout this tournament. Their journey ends with a bronze medal today, but it lays the foundation for gold tomorrow. Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to make this Statement, and respectfully invite Members of the House to join me in welcoming and congratulating the Black Queens. Black Queens, Ayekoo.
Thank you very much. They did us proud.
Hon Ernest Henry Norgbey
Ashaiman
Mr Speaker, I rise to associate myself with the Minister for Sports and Recreation and, also with national pride and admiration, congratulate our women, the Black Queens of Ghana, who performed splendidly and spectacularly in faraway Morocco.
Mr Speaker, this is just more than a win on the pitch because it is a celebration of resilience and national spirit. The journey was full of challenges, as we are all aware. The Hon Minister made mention of it that they started on a bad note, but, at the end of the day, they came out with bronze and they were able to beat the ever-determined South African women’s national team.
Mr Speaker, the Black Queens have done Ghana proud. Let it be said that they were the first national team to qualify Ghana to the World Cup some years back and they continue to make Ghana proud. Mr Speaker, as we speak in this Chamber, in faraway Nigeria, the President, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has rewarded the members of the women’s national team with US$100,000 each and US$50,000 each to the technical team. He also gave the members of the team a three bedroom apartment.
Mr Speaker Let me just call on the Government, as well as the private sector, to invest in sports in Ghana, especially the women’s sports because they continue to make us proud and everybody is happy about their achievements. All that we need is more investment in the sporting sector because that is the only thing that makes all of us happy. If the economy is bad and our national teams continue to win their tournaments and matches, Ghanaians and the youth will always be happy.
So, let me take the opportunity, once again, to congratulate our women, the technical team, the supporting union and everybody, including the Minister who has done a yeoman’s job. It is true that Ghana is working. It is true that we are resetting Ghana. For over nine years, this is the first time we have qualified for the semi-final and we have gone ahead to win the bronze medal.
Mr Speaker, I thank you and I congratulate our women. May God bless us. They should continue to make Ghana proud.
Hon Isaac Boamah-Nyarko
Effia
Mr Speaker, let me join in commending the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon Kofi Adams, for making this Statement, acknowledging and praising the Black Queens of Ghana for this feat they have chalked.
Mr Speaker, ordinarily, Ghana stood as one of the best football countries in the world. When we come to Africa, there was no way when we talk about football, Ghana would not be mentioned as one of the top three. Now, from the Black Stars to the Black Queens—When women’s football started developing in Africa, Black Queens of Ghana has remained one of the best female football teams in the whole of Africa.
In fact, the only country that Ghana had difficulty beating, ordinarily, was Nigeria. So, normally when we play African football, Ghana will qualify and play all the games and then it is either we win or we lose to Nigeria. Those were the days when we had goalkeeper Memunatu Sulemana, Adwoa Bayor and Alberta Sackey, all playing quality football in this country. So, it came as a big worry to us, as a people, when we saw Ghana’s football diminishing to the extent that even qualifying for such tournaments became a problem. So, ordinarily, we would not have been here celebrating placing third, but because we are falling so low, in terms of football, it is important that the achievement of the Black Queens, today, ought to be celebrated.
I am very happy, particularly, for this female team because I watched their progression through the group stages and I saw how tirelessly they fought for qualifying to the quarterfinals. Then, in the semi-finals, I was really hoping that, since we won by penalties in the quarterfinals, we would succeed in winning against Morocco during the semi-finals, but, unfortunately, we lost and here we are with the bronze.
Mr Speaker, it is interesting to note that two of our female players got called into the top 11. After every tournament, they nominate team of the tournament and two of our players were nominated: Grace Asantewaa and Portia Boakye and it is important that we congratulate and acknowledge them. Though football is a teamwork, anytime we have two of our members, at the end of a tournament, getting appreciated as part of the team of the tournament, we need to appreciate them.
Mr Speaker, in winding up, I want us to invest more in women’s football. This is because the team we see today are a group of people who have come from various football teams, but there is very little support for female football across the country. The regional football associations do not have the support and the female football teams that play in the regions do not get the support. So, Mr Speaker, since we do not have much time, I want to join in congratulating our female team and we wish them well in the future.
Thank you for the opportunity, Mr Speaker.
Hon Laadi Ayii Ayamba
Pusiga
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to associate myself with the Statement ably made by the Minister.
Mr Speaker, I am so proud of the Black Queens. It has been a long time that we have waited and looked on and, today, they have actually made us proud, not for themselves and not for only we women in Parliament here, but all women and girls in Africa and the whole world. The first day I watched the Black Queens and it looked like it was not going to be in our favour, I became very sad. I said, “No, not again”. Then, I realised that they went back, picked up the pieces, and made sure that it never became like they cannot do it; they agreed and teamed up. They put together the teamwork that they have been taught to build. Their officers and leaders—And I learned that, even in this Chamber, for now, in the gallery, we have their assistant coach, who is with them.
I know that they picked it together because listening to the names, they were not playing a game like it is for Ama, Serwaa, Hawa or Yakubu. They played it as a team; they fell, but they did not remain. They got up and picked it up, and did us proud. I am continuing to hope and pray that, as the Minister has come to read this Statement, we will put our heads together, ensure that we also support them in our little way and that we will appreciate and will continue to forge ahead. The technical team should not get discouraged and listen to the fact that others have been given more.
After all, we are not the same types of countries; we are individual countries. If they got bronze today, there is nothing that can tell us that we will not be able to get gold one day. So, let us continue praying, working, urging forward and be determined, and ensure that one day, even if it is not them, they would have encouraged others to come up, and then we will get that gold medal.
Mr Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity and I would also like to thank the Minister and I say, well done to the team.
Hon Gloria Owusu
Trobu
Mr Speaker, I want to use this opportunity to congratulate the Black Queens of Ghana. They have made us proud and I am very happy that the Black Queens of the nation is here today. As a nation, we must support them. I hear the Nigerian President, President Tinubu, has congratulated the Super Falcons and donated money to them. I am encouraging our President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to also encourage our Black Queens; they have really made us proud. Ayekoo to them. Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.
Hon Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah
Ho West
Mr Speaker, I rise to associate myself with the Statement made by the Hon Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams.
Let me commend our gallant Black Queens for doing us this great honour by lifting, at least, not all the trophies but the bronze trophy, after a decade of us being in the drought. When, as a country, we were thirsting for just one medal, even if it is sand that they can bring to Ghana, we did not see it. But, today, we are here celebrating them because they brought bronze to this country. God bless you.
Mr Speaker, this did not come on a silver platter. We must commend the Government of Ghana, especially His Excellency, for fulfilling all the obligations that needed to be fulfilled. By giving the Black Queens, the team managers and all the people who needed to be supported what they needed for this great honour to come to this country, we must salute His Excellency the President for this great honour as well.
Mr Speaker, sports unite us as a nation. In fact, when one travels outside this country and they are asked where they come from, when they mention Ghana, the first thing they say is “Oh! that great football nation”. Indeed, Ghana is a great football nation. The likes of Abedi Pele, Mohammed Polo and all the many others who have done us this honour.
Mr Speaker, I have been told that during the tournament, these our young sisters received a lot of honours. Some were given the best player of the day and others, the best player of the tournament. This alone shows that we have a future for this nation. Mr Speaker, having said that, when our sisters walked in, I was talking to a Colleague here and I asked, are they women or young girls? I see them as young ladies. That means that in the next few years, we will still have this team playing for us and I want to recommend to this House that we should have a fund. This House must also support them and give them something before they leave this place today.
Mr Speaker, instruct the Clerk to Parliament to do them the honours, that this House has recognised them for playing and winning bronze for this nation.
With these few words, Mr Speaker, I thank you.
Hon Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
Manhyia South
Mr Speaker, I want to join my Colleagues in commending our glorious Black Queens; they have done really well.
They have brought joy and excitement to the nation. I say to them, ayekoo! Mr Speaker, while commending them, I would also want to commend the Minister for his contribution and for all the things he did to make this real, as well as the Government; we commend them.
Mr Speaker, it is important that going forward, we reduce the politics involved on such occasions. There is always the risk of people taking partisan lines the moment we bring in politics, which takes away the shine that this occasion brings. It is on this note that very respectfully, I would want the Minister to reconsider the Statement, particularly, where he said the feat is unprecedented. I do not mean to take away the feat chocked by these women. However, because this is a house of record, we need to make sure that the records are aligned.
Mr Speaker, in addition to the bronze, historically, the women have done so well to the extent that they have also won silver medals. In 1998, 2002 and 2006, they won a silver medal. Thus, it may seem that this feat may then not be unprecedented. So, Mr Speaker, very respectfully, let the record reflect that this is not the first time such glory has come.
Mr Speaker, in conclusion, I am calling on the Minister Mr Speaker, in conclusion, I am calling on the Minister to advert his mind to the Affirmative Action Act by ensuring that these glorious Black Queens have parity in terms of their earnings as much as what the Black Stars earn. We should also give them something closer. The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 which was passed by this House – luckily for us, the Minister is a Member of this House—We need to enforce it.
The situation where the Black Stars earn so much money, while the women earn very little is unfair and breaches the spirit and letter of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024. So, Hon Minister, very respectfully, the Black Stars are given huge bonuses; let us give our women huge bonuses for the group stage.—Mr Speaker, when the Black Stars qualify from the group stage to the second round, they are paid huge bonuses.
In accordance with the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, let us give our women huge bonuses.—If the Black Stars had won even bronze— Mr Speaker, if the Black Stars had won even bronze, we would not just give them celebratory speeches in this House, we would have given them huge money. Let us ensure that the women are given huge money and houses, so that their lots are not made worse.
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
Hon Lawrencia Dziwornu
Akuapem South
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement ably delivered by the Minister for Sports and Recreation.
As the only standing female Member of the Committee on Youth and Sports—I am with so much pride and immense joy for the Black Queens on achieving the bronze medal for our nation. The Black Queens demonstrated so much resilience, grit and determination at the WAFCON tournament and at every stage of their performance, they accelerated or advanced with their determination. Mr Speaker, this is worthy of commendation. They have inspired a lot of young girls in our nation who dream of wearing the national jersey someday.
Therefore, I add my voice to the many voices here to congratulate them on bringing at least the bronze medal to our country. I dare say that our national women’s team have performed better in recent times than their male counterparts and therefore they deserve all the support that they need to be able to advance in the next WAFCON tournament and bring the trophy to Ghana.
Mr Speaker, I am calling on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, our Committee, the Government and all other stakeholders to increase the budget allocated for women’s football and prioritise their funding. This is because if we rightly invest in them, I believe in the next tournament, they will lift the cup and bring it home.
Mr Speaker, on this note, I congratulate the team on their great achievement. I congratulate the head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, the deputy coach, the technical team and all the people who supported them in winning this medal for the nation. I say bravo to them. We are so proud of them. They should continue to do great exploits. We are believing that when the Black Queens represent us at the world stage, they will do excellent and bring glory to this nation.
Congratulations to them once again.
Hon Mustapha Ussif
Yagaba-Kubori
Thank you so much, Mr Speaker. Let me thank my successor, Hon Kofi Adams, for the Statement and also for bringing our Black Queens to this august House.
Let me join the millions of Ghanaians who have sent congratulatory messages to our female national team, the Black Queens, for their remarkable performance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), 2025 in Morocco.
Mr Speaker, defeating the defending champions, South Africa, who brought the very best of all the players in the continent, to the third place in the tournament is a no mean achievement. The players, the technical team, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), led by my good friend, Mr Kurt Edwin Okraku, the Ministry led by the Minister, and all the directors there need to be commended for their wonderful work. Anytime there is coordination between the GFA, the Government and the corporate bodies, we see success. I want to urge corporate institutions to support not only the Black Stars but the Black Queens as well.
Mr Speaker, the Black Queens’ performance in Morocco did not just happen by accident. It is as a result of many factors including meticulous planning by the GFA and also promotion of women’s football. I have been fortunate to have worked very closely with the GFA and I know what they have put in in terms of promotion of women’s football and I want to commend them for that.
Mr Speaker, the Government has also done her best. Government upon government have contributed by supporting women’s football. Just last year, we all witnessed the Black Princesses being the champions of Africa in the African Games which was held here in Ghana. And most of the players here are products from the Black Princesses. Anytime players graduate from junior teams to the senior national teams and they play together, we chalk success. And I want to urge the GFA to keep graduating players from the junior national teams to the senior national teams so that they can be winning medals for our country.
Mr Speaker, we should not also forget that during COVID-19, for the first time H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ensured that—all women Premier League players were paid stipends and most of these players are beneficiaries of those stipends. Also, most of the women Premier Club games are played on the numerous Astro Turfs constructed by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the result is the successes that we are talking. I would like to urge the Government to continue to make sure that the initiative of getting every district a befitting sports facility does not become a thing of the past. We should ensure that it is kept in place.
Thank you so much, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity.
Hon Patricia Appiagyei
Asokwa
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity to congratulate our Black Queens for making us so proud.
As I stand here, I must tell you, I feel very proud that commencing the tournament, I had to stand in and make a Statement, and create an awareness that the Black Queens need the support that is required for them to win this tournament. Unfortunately, they could not come with gold, but bronze is equally good. And I believe that if we pay more attention to the success of this particular team, there is always going to be an opportunity for them to bring us gold.
Mr Speaker, I would like to mention that I as an individual watched a number of their tournaments, and I felt so encouraged and felt that we have to indulge the entire Ghanaian team, especially the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to pay particular attention to the development of the Black Queens, because their performance was simply splendid. It was an issue of a national pride. It was an issue that we believe made our country and each and every one in Ghana stand so tall to show that we are Ghanaians. They are our ambassadors and I am appealing to the Ministry and to the Government that at their next tournament, it does not have to take us to come here and make an appeal before they are properly and carefully supported financially. We need to encourage them morally and spiritually. Every effort that is required to ensure the success story of the Black Queens is what we require at this point in time.
Mr Speaker, I believe that the gender equity issue is really at play here. I believe that with your support and the entire nation’s support, we will be able to also showcase a female side of soccer which we can actually be so proud of. It is our intention to name all the players and give them personal commendation to ensure that these ladies of ours are well remunerated. I think each one deserves to be given some handsome amount of money to encourage them because it is done for the Black Stars. Why can we not do it? Whatever we have been doing for our Black Stars must be done for our queens and it is important.
Mr Speaker, I want to appeal that this is not an issue that we should show political colours. Whatever is being said here is to raise high the flag of Ghana. You look on our tables and each one of us is having the flag of Ghana because we feel very proud where our Black Queens have taken us to. So, in every respect, I would like to say that it is important that we all come together, propose what is best for the promotion of the Queens to do far better than they have done but I would say, ayekoo to them, I do not even know what to say. They did very well; they made us proud and I was very happy watching them and I can look at the faces up there and tell them what each one did because I am a very good supporter of women’s soccer and I am also a very good supporter of the national soccer.
With these few words, Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for this opportunity and pray that, the Hon Minister do more for the Black Queens. Thank you very much and I would like to also commend our lady, Alice Kusi, from Manso Nkwanta Constituency and this is coming from her own Member of Parliament, Hon Fokuo,— he has taken cognisance of her and what she has been able to do, and achieve.
Congratulations to all of them.
Hon Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe
Ada
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to add my voice to the Statement made by the Minister for Sports and Recreation.
Mr Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the Minister for Sports and Recreation for his dedication, commitment, and thank Hon Betty Crosby for also supporting our women because anytime she gets closer, she always speaks about them; how we should support them, and how we should run and look for people to come and support them to go higher.
Mr Speaker, my ladies in sports should look into my face — I am telling them today, that they should not wait for anybody. Where they have reached, they should invest in themselves. Whatever they get today, they should invest it. Age is just a number. They should just believe in themselves and invest more to ensure they get higher and higher and higher — They can make it. Today, they have made it to bronze, but with more effort, they will bring gold -I will encourage them not to relax when it comes to training. They should not wait for their captain before they train. Anywhere they find themselves, in their bedrooms, in their washrooms, where they take their rest or train. They should continue training because before a woman can get higher, they have to work double or triple of what the men are doing before they are recognised.
So, let me encourage them that the women of Ghana are proud of them — We celebrate them today—We cherish them— and we thank them for making us proud We are looking up to them as women and we are looking up to them for more victory. We want them to change the narrative. Make us proud. Our prayers are with them and we always remember them. Our plea to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) is that whatever they are doing for the men, they should do it for the women.
We know that men get more opportunities than the women, so they should consider us and also put us in their good books and make sure whatever the men are benefiting, our ladies in sports should also benefit. Not in Ghana alone, but the whole world. We are calling CAF and then FIFA to make sure they open a good chapter for women to also be encouraged to do more. But despite all that, they should encourage themselves, feel proud of themselves, make sure they get to the top. They should make sure they get to the sky so that if they are falling, they fall on the tree but if they target the tree, they fall on the ground.
So, congratulations once again. I say ayekoo to all women who are supporting them.
Hon Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin
Effutu
Mr Speaker, permit me to stand on behalf of the Minority Caucus to also add a collective voice, in response to the Statement by our respected Colleague and Minister for the subject matter on this floor.
Mr Speaker, permit me to precede the comment with what we have by way of our national pledge: “I promise on my honour to be faithful and loyal to Ghana, my motherland. I pledge myself to the service of Ghana with all my strength and with all my heart. I promise to hold in high esteem our heritage won for us through the blood and toil of our fathers and I pledge myself in all things to uphold and defend the good name of Ghana so help me God”.
Mr Speaker, our Black Queens lived up to this pledge and they deserve every commendation. Mr Speaker, since we started the Ninth Parliament, this is the first time that we are seeing our national flag being displayed in this Chamber and it is a sign that through football, we can come together as a nation. Mr Speaker, what they have done is commendable. Let me again on behalf of the Caucus commend their coach. We saw on television how our young ladies celebrated him. Congratulations to the coach. The entire technical team, I say ayekoo. And the Ghana Football Association (GFA) led by its president, I say to him also, ayekoo.
Mr Speaker, our Colleague who was nominated and approved for the sector, if things had gone bad, I am sure by this time his name would be out there with people calling for his head. My respected Colleague and Brother, Kofi Iddie Adams, congratulations. He has done well, and I wish him well.
Mr Speaker, it is important to state that this is a moment of shared national pride. This is not a partisan issue. This is the reason Hon Mustapha Ussif, who previously occupied that seat, had the opportunity to make a national statement in his own comments by saying that we do not have to make this a partisan matter. Some foundations were laid, and it is being continued. Indeed, our ladies have demonstrated that they have the resilience of our country in them, and that is what made them excel.
Mr Speaker, playing against a host team does not come easily, and they held their own with Morocco with a score of 1-1 until the penalty shoot-out. Mr Speaker, again, I am aligning with the earlier submissions of our Friend and Colleague, Hon Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Ranking Member for the Committee on Youth and Sports, some days back, when he called on all of us to do away with the partisanship and move with one voice to support our Queens.
Mr Speaker, many years ago, the Queens were training in Winneba, at the Winneba Sports College. And those were the days when the Black Queens had come to the limelight and were training and making our country proud. Mr Speaker, sometimes, parents may not want their female children to get into football. But, today, everything is open. We should encourage them to move in that direction if indeed, that is their talent. I add my voice again on behalf of the Caucus to what our respected Colleague, Hon Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, said that it is our hope that in future, they will not just come with anything less, but they will come with gold. There is every promise, and I think Hon Doyoe is right in saying that.
Mr Speaker, while at it, let me encourage our Minister to push for more sports infrastructure, and if he needs the support of this House, we are ever ready, at least on our Side. We are ready to provide the necessary support in terms of advocacy. All we can do is advocate to support him in sports infrastructure. We do not have to relegate women’s sports to the background. Women in sports must be encouraged in all spheres, not only in football.
Mr Speaker, that said, the Minority Caucus often refers to itself as the mighty Minority. But on this occasion, it is clear that so far, we have been hearing words of commendation, but the actual tangible cash support is yet to come. We are humble, but proud to say that we are the first to publicly acknowledge the industry of the Black Queens by donating GH₵100,000 cash to the Black Queens.
Mr Speaker, we are not pledging GH₵100,000. We are giving a cash support of GH₵100,000 now. And Deputy Minority Leader, being the senior woman among us, has been handed the cash to meet the team outside and hand it over to them, so that the media can capture it.
Mr Speaker, I thank you so much for giving us this opportunity.
Hon George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan
Cape Coast South
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to add my voice to what has been said.
Mr Speaker, we are not dying yet. I would like to add my voice to what Minority Leader has just said and what others have said in terms of our sisters who have performed excellently in the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations that just took place in Morocco and for bringing us back a medal, in this case a bronze.
Today is a bronze. Tomorrow, we will know it is silver and then after, it will be the gold. It will eventually happen. Mr Speaker, but it tells us what a country needs to do if that country is serious about sports. And it is about targeted investment in the areas of sports that we want to excel in. What the Black Queens have done is clear evidence that if we put in the targeted investment, we will get the results. And that is what has been demonstrated today.
Mr Speaker, as we are saying, this is something that we all have to celebrate as a nation. I agree with the Minority Leader that sport is actually one thing that brings people together. It brings communities, countries and the world together and we must do more in this area to make sure that we excel in sports.
Mr Speaker, when we focused on women’s football, we are beginning to see the result. There are other women disciplines that we need to look at this as an example and invest our moneys there. I want to thank the Minister for Sports and Recreation for the job that he has done so far and the results that we are getting. I would like to thank the team and all the people who worked with the Black Queens to make today possible in terms of us celebrating.
Mr Speaker, I was not sure, in one minute, whether I was in the Chamber of Commerce or Bank of Ghana— —We, on this Side, and the Government will continue to support the Black Queens and sports in this country to get us to a level that we should be. We congratulate our Black Queens and we will continue to engage them.
Mr Speaker, anything that anyone does or any group does is encouraging to support the Black Queens. Whether we do it here or you do it outside or you do it in their camp, it is all welcome. The most important thing, at the end of the day, is to come together to collectively improve sports in this country for all of us.
Mr Speaker, with these few words, I thank you.
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