Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Mustapha Ussif, visited the Black Princesses before their departure to Colombia for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. This marks Ghana’s seventh consecutive appearance at the tournament, though they have yet to progress beyond the group stage.
Accompanied by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, the Minister urged the team to make the country proud, assuring them of the nation’s full support. “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. The GFA President has spoken. I’m here to just also give you an assurance that the entire government is behind you,” he stated.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to the team’s success, noting their swift action during the team’s camp in Cape Coast to ensure their preparation was smooth. “Everything that we are supposed to put in place, you can testify that we have done that beautifully,” he said. “So, as you leave the shores of our country, be rest assured that we are with you. And you are not only going there to represent yourself, neither your family nor your community alone—you are representing the entire country. So, this should be at the back of your minds.”
He further reminded the players of the significance of their role, representing the emotions and passions of over 30 million Ghanaians. “When you step on the pitch, you should look back and know that you are representing over 30 million Ghanaians. For every decision that you are going to take on the pitch, be aware that it is people’s emotions and passions that you are representing, so you do your best to represent us well.”
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The Minister concluded by promising the team’s logistics and financial needs would be fully supported. “We’ll make sure we put everything in place in terms of logistics and finance. Just do your best to raise the flag of our dear country very high in Colombia. And like the President said, I’ll be the happiest minister to come to Kotoka International Airport to receive you with the trophy. Go all out and make yourselves proud. Enjoy yourselves and enjoy the game and bring glory back home,” he urged.
