80% of Black Queens Now Play Abroad – GFA President Kurt Okraku Hails Progress in Women’s Football

 In a powerful statement affirming the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) commitment to women’s football development GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku has revealed that approximately 80% of Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, are now playing their football abroad.

Speaking at a recent press conference in Accra, President Okraku expressed pride in this milestone describing it as a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to elevate the status of women’s football in Ghana.

The fact that 80% of our Black Queens are playing internationally speaks volumes about the progress we have made, Okraku said. It shows that our efforts to increase visibility and create pathways for our female athletes are bearing fruit.

This development is the result of deliberate and strategic initiatives by the GFA to promote Ghanaian female footballers beyond local borders. Through partnerships with international clubs, talent exposure programs and development-focused reforms, many Black Queens players have found new opportunities in competitive leagues across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Okraku emphasized the dual benefits of international exposure  not only does it boost the careers of individual players, but it also strengthens the national team by improving technical quality, tactical understanding and team confidence.

When our players compete at high levels internationally, it enriches team dynamics and elevates our performance on the global stage, he added.

Indeed, the experience gained from training and playing abroad has significantly influenced the tactical development of the Black Queens. It has also helped players adapt to a variety of playing styles and high-performance cultures, contributing to a more competitive and well-rounded national team.

Beyond the pitch, the success of these women abroad has created new aspirations for young girls in Ghana. The visibility of Ghanaian female footballers in top-flight foreign leagues is sparking renewed interest in grassroots football among young female athletes across the country.

“We want to empower our female footballers and give them the platform they deserve,” Okraku noted. “When our players succeed on the international stage, it raises the profile of women’s football in Ghana and encourages the next generation.

The GFA’s focus on developing women’s football is not limited to securing foreign opportunities. Under Okraku’s leadership the association has launched several grassroots programs, improved training infrastructure, and increased investment in women’s football education and development.

These initiatives, aimed at building a sustainable football ecosystem for women in Ghana, align with the GFA’s long-term vision of ensuring gender inclusion and equitable access to football resources across all levels of the game.

Okraku also made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians, corporate institutions, and stakeholders to rally behind women’s football.

We need the backing of our communities and corporate partners to ensure that our female athletes receive the recognition they deserve,” he said. “The future of the Black Queens depends on the commitment we make today.

As the Black Queens prepare for upcoming international competitions, including continental qualifiers and tournaments, the GFA remains committed to providing the necessary support structures to help the team thrive.

The announcement that 80% of the national women’s team players are plying their trade overseas serves as a strong indicator that Ghana is on the right path in promoting…