Members of Parliament on Monday lauded Ghana’s Black Queens for their impressive showing at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Black Queens defied all odds to reach the semi-final of the 2024 WAFCON after beating Algeria on penalties last Saturday.
Ghana will face host nation Morocco in the semi-final on Tuesday as the quest for a first ever title continues.
Lawmakers commended the team, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and the technical staff for their commitment, teamwork, and resilience.
However, a political twist emerged when the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo and Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee, Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, attributed the team’s success to initiatives rolled out by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He cited investments in women’s football infrastructure and logistical support as a key foundation.
“Beyond the celebration of this victory lies the story of resilience and long-term investments and sustained commitment, particularly in the often underappreciated area of women’s football,”
“While recent support must be acknowledged, this achievement is undeniably built on the foundation laid by the previous New Patriotic Party’s government,” the ranking member of the Parliamentary select committee on sports said.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Lower West Akim, Owen Kwame Frimpong, lauded the team’s crucial victory over Algeria, which lifted the spirits of his constituents, many of whom placed bets on the Black Queens and celebrated their winnings without the usual 10% tax deduction.
Mr. Frimpong expressed the collective joy of his constituency, noting that the removal of the betting tax by the current administration has ensured that bettors receive their full winnings.
“The people in my constituency are happy the Black Queens made them win bets and there was no 10% tax,” he stated during his speech.
Mr. Ernest Henry Norgbey, the Chairman of the Youth and Sports Committee of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, in a statement read on the floor of Parliament on Monday, urged Ghanaians both home and abroad, to rally behind the team to achieve more laurels and bring home the coveted trophy.
“This achievement is not only a sporting milestone, but celebration of Ghanaian resilience, unity and excellence. The Black Queens have consistently demonstrated commendable resilience, focus, and commitment throughout the tournament,” the lawmaker stated, adding,” they have, indeed, represented the nation with dignity and strength both on and off the field.”
For Ghana, this marks a return to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time since 2016 and an opportunity to reach their first WAFCON final in nearly 20 years.
Morocco, runners-up in 2022, are aiming to make back-to-back finals and lift the trophy on home soil.
Other members of Parliament also lauded the Black Queens and underscored the need to support the team devoid of partisan politics as the team takes on the host nation, Morocco, in the semi-final stage of the tournament on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
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Story by Pius Asack|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
