The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has held a high-level strategic meeting with the management team of the Black Queens and the technical leadership of the national U-23 football team, the Black Meteors. The meeting aimed to discuss proactive strategies to end Ghana's two-decade absence from the Olympic Games. The engagement was convened to map out a collaborative roadmap and discuss the rigorous qualification pathways for both national teams as they eye tickets to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
The meeting was described as timely and imperative by GOC President, Mr. Richard Akpokavie. He noted that the last time Ghana football participated in the Olympics was in the 2004 Athens Games. Akpokavie commended the Football Association for outlining the qualification timeline and assured them of the GOC's undeterred support. He emphasized that the GOC is committed to having football represent Ghana at the Olympic Games.
The GFA delegation, led by General Secretary, Mr. Prosper Harrison Addo, thanked the GOC for engaging with the teams. Harrison Addo underscored that working in lockstep with the GOC is necessary to secure success for both teams. He detailed the demanding road ahead, explaining that the Black Queens will begin their qualification campaign in June 2026, running through December 2027, while the Black Meteors will start their quest between November 2026 and March 2027.
The Black Queens and Black Meteors have a challenging road ahead as they seek to secure Olympic qualification. The Black Queens will play a series of five matches, while the Black Meteors will aim to secure a slot at the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. The ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games, where two teams from both the men's and women's sides will represent Africa.
Rev. Richmond Quarcoo, Chef de Mission (CDM) for Team Ghana to the LA2028 Olympic Games, assured the GFA management team of his office's active partnership. He stressed that his doors remain open for close coordination, ensuring a united front in the quest for Olympic qualification. The meeting brought together key sports administrators from both institutions, including representatives from the GOC and GFA.
The GOC and GFA have resolved to put a structured blueprint in motion, leaving nothing to chance as they forge a united front to break the 24-year Olympic football jinx. The parties are committed to working together to ensure Ghana's participation in the Olympic Games. The meeting was attended by key officials, including GOC President, Mr. Richard Akpokavie, and GFA General Secretary, Mr. Prosper Harrison Addo.
The collaboration between the GOC and GFA is expected to yield positive results as Ghana seeks to make a return to the Olympic Games. With a clear roadmap in place, the Black Queens and Black Meteors will begin their qualification campaigns with a renewed sense of purpose. The GOC and GFA are committed to working together to ensure Ghana's success in the Olympic Games.
Key points
- The GOC and GFA have met to discuss strategies for Olympic qualification.
- The Black Queens and Black Meteors will begin their qualification campaigns in 2026.
- The GOC and GFA are committed to working together to ensure Ghana's participation in the Olympic Games.
