The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has held a high-level strategic meeting with the management of the Black Queens and the technical leadership of the national U-23 football team, the Black Meteors. The aim was to discuss proactive strategies to end a two-decade absence of Ghana on the world’s biggest multi-sport stage, the Olympic Games. This meeting was crucial in mapping out a collaborative roadmap for both national teams as they eye tickets to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
The meeting was convened specifically to discuss the rigorous qualification pathways for both national teams. Mr Richard Akpokavie, President of the GOC, noted that the meeting was both timely and imperative given the sporting body’s overarching vision to have football flying the national flag in Los Angeles. He commended the Football Association for clearly outlining the qualification timeline and assured them of the GOC’s undeterred support every step of the way.
The Black Queens, Ghana's senior women’s national team, will kick off their qualification campaign in June 2026, running through December 2027 across five rigorous series of matches. Meanwhile, the Black Meteors begin their quest between November 2026 and March 2027, with their sights firmly set on securing a slot at the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. The ultimate gateway to the Olympic Games is where the two finalists automatically secure Olympic qualification.
General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Mr Prosper Harrison Addo, led the GFA delegation and thanked the GOC for taking the time to engage with the teams. He emphasized that working in lockstep was both prudent and necessary to secure success for both sides. Mr Harrison Addo detailed the demanding road ahead for both teams.
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, hands-on coordination. The meeting was attended by key sports administrators from both institutions.
The GFA delegation was led by General Secretary Mr Prosper Harrison Addo alongside management committee members including Eugene Nobel Noel, Frederick Agbenyo, Nana Kwame Danquah, Michael Boakye, and Ishmael Hamidu, alongside Janice Bossman, Head of Business Development. The GOC was represented by Mr Richard Akpokavie, Muniru Kassim Mohamed, Ernest Danso, Rev. Richmond Quarcoo, Charles Osei Asibey, and Kenneth Odeng Adade.
The parties resolved that a structured blueprint will be put in motion, leaving nothing to chance as they forge a united front to break the 24-year Olympic football jinx. The last time Ghana's football team participated in the Olympics was in the 2004 Athens Games.
Key points
- The Ghana Olympic Committee and Ghana Football Association are working together to ensure the Black Queens and Black Meteors qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.
- The Black Queens and Black Meteors face rigorous qualification pathways, with the women's team starting in June 2026 and the men's team in November 2026.
- A structured blueprint will be put in motion to ensure a united front in the qualification process.
