Ghana’s senior women’s national football team, the Black Queens, were honoured with a cash donation of GH¢100,000 by Members of Parliament during a visit to Parliament House on Tuesday, following their impressive campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The gesture, spearheaded by the Minority Caucus, was aimed at recognizing the team’s dedication, hard work, and historic performance at the tournament. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who addressed the House during the presentation, noted that the contribution was made in solidarity with the players and to encourage continued excellence.
“Mr. Speaker, while several praises have been extended to the team, tangible support has been lacking. We, the Minority Members of Parliament, are proud to make this symbolic contribution of GH¢100,000 to show appreciation and inspire further commitment from the team,” Afenyo-Markin said while handing over the donation.
The Black Queens’ recent achievement marked a significant comeback after years of underwhelming results in major continental competitions. The team reached the semi-finals of the 2024 WAFCON — a feat they had not accomplished since 2016 — and secured third place after a dramatic penalty shootout win against South Africa.
Prior to this, the Queens had failed to qualify for the 2022 edition and exited at the group stage in the 2018 tournament, which they hosted.
The team’s journey in Morocco drew widespread praise from Ghanaians, with standout performances from players such as captain Portia Boakye and midfielder Grace Asantewaa, who were both named in the tournament’s Best XI.
The donation, made in physical cash, was presented on the floor of Parliament in the presence of the Speaker and other Members, as part of the team’s nationwide appreciation tour following their return to Ghana.
