Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has called on Ghanaians at home and abroad to give their full support to the Black Queens as they begin their campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ghana will open their Group D campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Wednesday, 29 July, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, as they attempt to win the continental women’s title for the first time.
Okraku has urged the country to rally behind the team throughout the tournament, saying the players deserve the backing of supporters, the media, corporate partners and other stakeholders as they seek to make history.
The GFA president issued his appeal ahead of the Black Queens’ opening match, calling for national unity as Ghana begins another attempt to claim a trophy that has eluded the team despite several strong performances in previous editions.
“As our beloved Black Queens prepare to compete at the 2026 TotalEnergies Womens Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, I call on all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, to unite behind this outstanding team as they proudly represent our nation.”
Okraku also pointed to Ghana’s performance at the previous WAFCON, where the Black Queens secured a bronze medal, as a sign of their ability to compete with the strongest teams on the continent.
The GFA president believes that achievement has provided the squad with renewed confidence as they prepare for another opportunity to challenge for major honours. Ghana will now be looking to improve on that result and go further in the competition.
“The Black Queens head into the tournament with renewed confidence and ambition following their impressive bronze-medal finish at the last edition.”
The team have two major objectives in Morocco. In addition to pursuing their first WAFCON title, the Black Queens are also seeking to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Okraku said the players have an opportunity to restore Ghana to the top level of women’s football while competing for continental success.
“They now have an opportunity not only to challenge for continental honours but also to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Womens World Cup and return Ghana to the pinnacle of womens football.”
The GFA president’s appeal extends beyond ordinary supporters, with Okraku asking everyone involved in Ghanaian football to provide consistent encouragement to the team during their campaign.
He called on fans to recognise the commitment and sacrifices made by the players and urged the media and corporate partners to play their part in creating an atmosphere of support around the Black Queens.
“I urge all Ghanaiansour supporters, the media, corporate partners and every stakeholderto stand firmly behind the team with unwavering encouragement and belief. Let us celebrate their commitment, appreciate their sacrifices and inspire them throughout their journey.”
Okraku also delivered a direct message to the players, encouraging them to represent the country with bravery, pride and determination as they begin their challenge in Morocco.
“To the Black Queens, the entire nation is behind you. Play with courage, pride and determination, and go out there to make Ghana proud.”
The Black Queens will begin their group campaign against Cape Verde, who are competing in the tournament for the first time. The result will provide Ghana with an early opportunity to build momentum in their pursuit of progress from Group D.
After the opening match, Ghana will face Cameroon on Sunday, 2 August, before completing their group-stage fixtures against Mali on Thursday, 6 August.
The schedule gives the Black Queens three matches in the group stage as they seek to advance in the competition and improve on their bronze-medal finish from the previous edition.
For Ghana, the tournament represents another chance to end a long wait for a first WAFCON crown. The Black Queens have previously come close to winning the competition but have yet to lift the trophy.
Their campaign in Morocco therefore carries significant expectations, with the team aiming to combine a push for continental success with the ambition of securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Okraku’s message places the responsibility for supporting that ambition across the country and among Ghanaians around the world. With the players preparing to begin their campaign against Cape Verde, the GFA president wants the team to know that they have the backing of the nation.
The Black Queens will now look to translate that support into a strong performance when they face Cape Verde in Casablanca, beginning their latest attempt to claim Ghana’s first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and secure a return to the global stage.
