The Head of Women's Football Development at the Ghana Football Association, Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, has participated in the FIFA Women in Football Leadership programme in Rabat, Morocco.
The programme, which was held between 18 and 21 October 2026 in the Moroccan capital, coincided with the opening week of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026™. It brought together fifty participants representing all six confederations for a concentrated four-day learning programme.
Led by senior leaders from FIFA, the FIFA Women in Football Leadership programme is designed to address the need for more female representation in football's decision-making bodies across all levels of the game. It is one of 13 Women's Football Development Programmes offered to FIFA's 211 Member Associations.
The Rabat edition assembled graduates of cohort two alongside new participants from cohort three. FIFA Chief Women's Football Officer, Dame Sarai Bareman, FIFA Council Member, Dr Johanna Wood, and representatives of FIFA's Women's Football Division were also in attendance. Participants also had the opportunity to watch matches of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and visit the FIFA office in Rabat.
Speaking after the programme, Ms Bareman said: "Congratulations to all the participants who came together in Rabat. Bringing our two cohorts together has been an invaluable opportunity for these amazing women, from all corners of the globe, to learn from one another, share experiences and build relationships with other women who are passionate about shaping the future of football.
"As a graduate of this programme myself, I know first-hand the impact it can have. It helped shape my own journey, and I genuinely believe I would not be in the role I am today without it. My hope is that everyone leaves Rabat with new perspectives, stronger connections and a renewed belief in what they can achieve – because when we empower more women to lead, we strengthen our entire game."
For her part, Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and shared her key takeaways from the programme.
"Leadership is not just about the position, I believe, but I think the kind of legacy or the impact or the inspiration that you'll be able to leave for the people you're leading," she said.
"I hold it in very high esteem to be part of this programme. I have learned a lot, and I have had one-on-one communications with almost every participant in cohort two. Through that, it has expanded my idea of thinking, planning, and how to execute my projects in my role at the GFA."
Her participation underlines the GFA's commitment to women's football development and to empowering female leaders within the Association to drive the growth of the women's game in Ghana.
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