BLACK QUEENS – Ghana rises up!
Ama Brobey Williams – Deputy General Secretary at the Ghana FA – proudly explains the Black Queens’ template for success, and their carefully planned and very deliberate rise to the top. Could this be the blueprint for others to follow?
The Ghana Women’s National Football team, affectionately known as the Black Queens, has been making waves in the African football scene. After a decline marked by early exits and absences, the team has seen a revival in recent years, thanks in part to a promising new generation and increased investment in women’s football development in Ghana.
This resurgence was most recently evident at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – which took place in 2025 – in which the Black Queens gloriously, and perhaps unexpectedly clinched a bronze medal, their first podium finish since 2016.
But it was no surprise to those at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), which has been working tirelessly to develop a robust women’s football structure. In 2023, the GFA launched a four-year women’s football strategy initiative, focusing on six key areas: grassroots football development, talent identification, marketing, sponsorship, national team enhancement, league development, and education.
This very deliberate and focused effort aims to nurture young talents and create a sustainable pathway for player progression from grassroots levels to elite competition.
From my experience as former Head of Women’s Football Development, and now as Deputy General Secretary in charge of Administration at the GFA, I am confident that our intentional approach to building grassroots football and nurturing talent has been instrumental in driving progress.
If you build it…
Our strategies focus on addressing gaps in the women’s game, with the ultimate goal of becoming globally competitive. The GFA remains committed to establishing a robust framework that supports female footballers at every level, fostering growth and excellence in the sport.
To achieve this goal, the GFA has expanded the women’s national team structure, introducing new teams across various age groups, including U16, U18, U19, U21, and U23. These teams serve as pivotal platforms for player development, providing opportunities for aspiring footballers to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience.
By investing in youth development and providing comprehensive support systems, Ghana aims to enhance the quality and depth of its talent pool, thereby strengthening its position in women’s football in Africa and globally.
The GFA’s efforts extend beyond football development. By bolstering opportunities for young female footballers, the nation cultivates athletic prowess while empowering women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, promoting diversity and social inclusion. This approach has not gone unnoticed, as Ghana has solidified its position as a beacon of inspiration for the global football community.
Here to stay
The Black Queens’ bronze medal finish at WAFCON 2024 proves the success of the GFA’s strategies. Led by Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the team has shown significant improvement, with players like Princella Adubea (below left, who plays in Turkey) and Grace Asantewaa (below right, currently playing in Mexico in Liga MX Femenil) making notable contributions.
The nation’s outpouring of congratulations and praise for the Black Queens is a fitting tribute to their achievement, reflecting the pride and excitement generated by their success.
As Ghana continues to invest in women’s football, the future looks bright. With a comprehensive structure in place and a talented pool of players, the Black Queens are poised to make a lasting impact on the African football scene.
The GFA’s commitment to developing women’s football is a step in the right direction, and their efforts will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of female footballers.
The nation eagerly awaits the emergence of future football icons to follow in Adubea and Asantewaa’s footsteps. But one thing is clear: Ghanaian women’s football is on the rise, and it’s here to stay.
photos: Ama Brobey Williams (top left), Deputy Gen. Sec. (Administration), Ghana Football Association
