The Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Mustapha Ussif, visited the Black Princesses team as they prepared to depart for Colombia to participate in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
This marks Ghana’s seventh consecutive appearance at the prestigious tournament, though the team has yet to progress beyond the group stage.
Accompanied by Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, the Minister urged the team to make the nation proud, emphasizing that the entire country stands behind them.
“On behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I am here to bid you a hopeful farewell as you embark on this journey to represent the entire country,”
Minister Ussif told the team. “The GFA President has spoken, and I am here to assure you that the entire government is behind you.”
He encouraged the players to recognize the weight of their representation, noting that they carry the hopes and passions of over 30 million Ghanaians each time they step onto the pitch.
“We will ensure that all necessary logistics and financial support are in place. Just do your best to raise the flag of our dear country high in Colombia.
“As the President said, I would be the happiest minister to welcome you back to Kotoka International Airport with the trophy. Go all out, make yourselves proud, and bring glory back home,” the Minister concluded.
The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicks off in Colombia on Saturday, August 31, and will run until Sunday, September 22, 2024.
The Black Princesses will launch their campaign with a match against Austria on Monday, September 2, before taking on Japan and New Zealand in group E.
