The Black Queens has presented to President John Dramani Mahama, the Bronze Medal they won at the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament hosted by Morocco.
The event, which took place at the Presidency was witnessed by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President; Mr Kofi Eddie Adams, the Minister of Youth and Sports, and Mr Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
President Mahama congratulated the Queens for making Ghana proud describing their semi-final match against Morocco as tough.
“You made us proud. You lost gallantly to the host country Morocco and Ghanaians are impressed,” President Mahama said.
“I want to congratulate the entire Management and the Team for playing with a lion’s heart.
“Playing against a host country is not easy but you held them on and lost the penalty kick. In spite of that you were not discouraged and played your hearts out to bring home the bronze medal.”
President Mahama said the Black Queens’ achievement was part of the conditioning, and promised that Government shall invest heavily in sports.
“We want to scout for talents across the country, catch them young and train them. We want to go back to our past glory and we shall invest in promoting athletics, football, boxing and other sport disciplines.”
He said under the Big Push agenda, all regions without stadium would be provided with modern sports stadia.
He said the Government was also going to equip some schools with sports facilities to become the incubating zones.
The President said he has also asked the Interior Minister to give priority to people with talent in sports during recruitment, adding that the security agencies had facilities to help them develop their talents.
“I also pledge support for the FA. We are thinking about a dedicated source for funding sports, he said.
President Mahama said he was optimistic that before he ends his tenure, the Black Queens shall bring the ultimate cup – the gold medal.
President Mahama and Vice President President Opoku-Agyemang, later presented an undisclosed cash as their token gift to the Black Queens.
On his part, Mr Okraku thanked President Mahama and the Government for their support.
He pledged his full commitment to revive Ghana football in line with the Government’s Reset Agenda.