Parliamentary Minority Caucus, under the leadership of Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has made a GHS100,000 (approx. $7,600) cash donation to the national women’s football team, the Black Queens, in recognition of their third-place finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The donation was presented during the team’s formal visit to Parliament on Tuesday,July 29, where lawmakers paused legislative business to celebrate what has been hailed as a historic campaign. The event follows Parliament’s earlier unanimous motion congratulating the team.
“This is not just a reward; it is a signal that women’s sports matter—and they merit investment,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said during the presentation, underscoring what he described as a long-overdue shift in how the nation supports its female athletes.
The Black Queens returned to Accra on Monday after clinching bronze in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over South Africa, their best WAFCON finish in nearly a decade. Captain Portia Boakye and midfielder Grace Asantewaa were both named in the CAF Team of the Tournament, capping off a campaign widely praised for its grit and cohesion.
Since their return, the team has embarked on a symbolic tour, including a tribute visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. The cash donation from the Minority Caucus adds to a groundswell of public and institutional support, sparking fresh calls for increased funding, infrastructure, and development opportunities for women’s sports in Ghana.
The Black Queens’ performance comes amid renewed scrutiny of gender equity in Ghanaian athletics. Advocates say tangible support, such as the Minority’s donation, represents a critical shift from ceremonial applause to actionable investment.
