Sylvester Dordzi
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken a momentous step towards advancing women’s football in the country with the launch of its innovative Women’s Football Strategy. The highly anticipated event, held at the Swiss Spirits Alisa Hotel in Accra, garnered significant attention from stakeholders within the women’s football ecosystem. Led by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and Vice President Mark Addo, the launch showcased a strong commitment to empowering female athletes and fostering growth in the sport.
Prominent Figures Attend the Launch:
The event witnessed the presence of key personalities who have been instrumental in shaping Ghanaian football. Alongside President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and Vice President Mark Addo, members of the Executive Council, including Habiba Atta Forson, Nana Sarfo Oduro, Samuel Anim Addo, Dr. Tony Aubynn, and Linford Asamoah Boadu, were also in attendance. Their participation demonstrated a united front in supporting the GFA’s women’s football initiatives.
Technical Directorate’s Contributions:
The Women’s Football Strategy owes its success to the dedicated efforts of the Technical Directorate of the Ghana Football Association. Under the leadership of Technical Director Bernhard Lippert, the Directorate worked tirelessly alongside Director of Coach Education Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah and Women’s Football Desk head Ama Brobbey Williams to facilitate the strategy’s development and implementation. Their expertise and commitment to the cause have been invaluable in laying the foundation for a thriving women’s football ecosystem in Ghana.
Endorsement from Distinguished Guests:
The launch of the Women’s Football Strategy received resounding support from several esteemed guests. Director General of the National Sports Authority, Professor Peter Twumasi, delivered a compelling keynote address on behalf of Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Opare. The presence of notable individuals like former Ghana defender Anthony Baffoe, Chairmen of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association Samuel Aboabire and Central Regional Football Association Robert Duncan, as well as influential figures such as President of Berry Ladies Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah, former Black Queens Coach and Ghana International Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo, and Anita Owiredu, further added to the significance of the occasion.
Key Pillars of the Women’s Football Strategy:
The Women’s Football Strategy devised by the GFA is built upon six pillars that aim to fortify the entire women’s football ecosystem in Ghana. These pillars encompass grassroots football development, talent identification, marketing and sponsorship, national teams enhancement, league development, and education. The comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of women’s football is addressed, creating a robust foundation for sustained growth and success.
FIFA’s Support:
Recognizing the significance of the Women’s Football Strategy, the global governing body of football, FIFA, played a vital role in its development. FIFA contributed immensely through its collaboration with the Technical Directorate of the Ghana Football Association, led by Bernhard Lippert, and the Women’s Football Desk, overseen by Ama Brobey Williams. This partnership highlights the commitment of both FIFA and the GFA to fostering gender equality within the sport and promoting women’s football globally.
The launch of the Women’s Football Strategy by the Ghana Football Association represents a watershed moment in the development of women’s football in the country. With a strong commitment from key stakeholders, including the GFA’s leadership, executive council members, and the Technical Directorate, Ghana is poised to become a frontrunner in women’s football on the African continent. The support from distinguished guests and FIFA further emphasizes the collaborative efforts being made to transform the landscape of women’s football. By embracing the six pillars outlined in the strategy, Ghana aims to unlock the vast potential of its female athletes and create a lasting legacy for women’s football in the country.
