“We are ready to compete” –  President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku backs Black Queens after WAFCON draw

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has expressed strong confidence in the Black Queens’ prospects following the draw for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), backing head coach Kim Lars Björkegren to mount a serious challenge for continental glory and a long-awaited return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ghana have been drawn into Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde for the tournament, which will be staged in Morocco, from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

Fresh from a bronze medal finish at the previous edition, the Black Queens will be aiming to build on that momentum and take another step forward on the continental stage.

Reflecting on the draw, President Simeon-Okraku praised the experience and leadership of Björkegren, expressing belief in his ability to guide the team through the challenges ahead.

“I think that the head coach is very experienced and able to guide the girls,” Simeon-Okraku told reporters. “I have no doubt whatsoever that we’ll compete and that we will make it to the World Cup.”

While expectations are naturally high following Ghana’s podium finish at the last WAFCON, the GFA President was quick to play down external pressure, urging focus and composure as the tournament approaches.

“I think that if it’s about pressure, there’s pressure everywhere,” he said. “There’s pressure in eating, pressure in laughing, pressure in having a conversation, and there’s pressure in sports. Football is an emotive enterprise, but what’s most important is how you react, how you act, and how you handle such situations.”

The 2nd Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), also emphasised that the Black Queens have already demonstrated their ability to compete with Africa’s elite and should approach the tournament with confidence, regardless of the opposition.

“On the back of the fact that Ghana were third at the last WAFCON, Ghana should be ready to face any opponent,” he noted. “The Black Queens should be able to play against any side on the African continent if you want to become a champion.”

Reiterating the country’s long-term goal, the GFA President made it clear that winning the WAFCON title remains the ultimate ambition.

“The ambition of the nation is to win the trophy, and I think that we are not far away from that.” he stated.

The tournament also offers a crucial pathway back to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the semi-finalists earning automatic qualification — a milestone Ghana have not achieved since 2007.