Black Queens’ clash with Lionesses marks a defining moment for Ghanaian women’s football - Ama Brobey Williams

Deputy General Secretary (Administration) of the Football Association, Ama Brobey Williams, has described the upcoming international friendly between Ghana’s Black Queens and England’s Lionesses as a defining moment for women’s football in Ghana, one that reflects the nation’s progress, ambition and growing influence on the global stage.

Speaking at the official launch of the match, scheduled for December 2, 2025, at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, Ms. Brobbey Williams emphasized that the game represents far more than a sporting contest. Rather, it symbolizes Ghana’s broader journey in empowering women through football.

“In a few weeks, the world will watch as our Black Queens face England’s Lionesses,” she said.

“For many, it will be a spectacle of skill; for us, it is a mirror reflecting how far we have come and the distance we are determined to travel. This match is a rallying cry: that Ghanaian women belong on the biggest stages, that our players can compete with the very best, and that our nation stands behind them.”

The former Head of Women’s Football Development at the GFA Technical Directorate highlighted the deep connection between football and Ghanaian identity, describing the game as “the rhythm of our towns, the language of our youth and an engine for social cohesion.”

She noted that women’s football has evolved into a powerful platform for empowerment, offering girls across Ghana access to education, mentorship and professional opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

“When the Black Queens step onto the pitch, football becomes an equalizer,” Ms. Brobey Williams remarked.

“It opens doors for girls in small towns and big cities alike. Communities are lifted. Homegrown players return as role models, inspiring investment in pitches, coaching, and youth programmes. The talent pipeline strengthens, and high-profile fixtures like this one invite scouts, sponsors, and development initiatives to look deeper into Ghana.”

She added that fixtures of this magnitude do not only elevate Ghana’s footballing reputation internationally but also open new pathways for talent discovery, corporate partnerships and infrastructure development.

Ms. Brobey Williams further underscored the wider significance of the Black Queens’ rise, explaining that the growth of women’s football fosters national unity, drives economic growth, and contributes to social transformation.

“When our teams succeed, they create moments that unite Ghanaians across regions and generations,” she said.

“These moments strengthen our national identity and pride. At the same time, football stimulates jobs, from hospitality and transport to coaching and sports science, while empowering women and girls to challenge stereotypes and redefine leadership.”

She reaffirmed that the Football Association’s continued commitment to advancing the women’s game aligns with Ghana’s broader goals of promoting gender equity, youth development and economic inclusion through sport.

The event, held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, was graced by several high-profile guests and football stakeholders.

Former Sierra Leone Football Association President and CAF Executive Committee member Isha Johansen delivered the keynote address, commending Ghana for its strides in women’s football development.

The Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Keith McMahon, also expressed his excitement about the upcoming fixture, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Ghana Football Association in promoting football development and cultural exchange.

Other dignitaries in attendance included GFA Executive Council Member Samuel Aboabire, Business Development Manager Janice Odonkor, CAF Match Commissioner Naa Odofoley Nortey, Director of the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, Women’s Football Development Manager Jennifer Sarpong, Black Stars Technical Advisor Winfried Schäfer, and GFA Technical Director Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah.

As anticipation builds for the December 2 encounter, the Black Queens are poised to showcase their growth and resilience on one of football’s grandest stages.

GFA Communications