Beyond the Black Stars: The Remarkable Growth of Women’s Football in Ghana

For decades, football conversation in Ghana revolved around the Black Stars and the men’s domestic league. But a quiet revolution has been underway—one that is transforming the landscape of the sport and creating unprecedented opportunities for girls and women across the nation.

From the dominance of Hasaacas Ladies in the Women’s Premier League to the historic FIFA-backed U-15 Girls Regional Colts League launched in January 2026, women’s football in Ghana is experiencing a structural renaissance . The Black Queens, ranked #62 in the world, continue to battle for continental supremacy . Young talents are emerging through newly created pathways. And for the first time, a clear route from local pitches to the national team exists.

This ASJ guide explores the growth of women’s football in Ghana—the dominant teams, the star players lighting up local and international stages, and the unprecedented opportunities now available to young girls dreaming of representing their country.

The Foundation: Women’s Premier League

League Structure and Format

The Ghana Women’s Premier League was established in the 2012-2013 season, marking the beginning of organized top-flight women’s football in the country . The competition is organized by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and features 20 clubs competing for the national title.

The format is unique and designed to reduce travel costs while maintaining competitiveness:

• Clubs are divided into two zones: Northern and Southern

• Each zone operates as a separate league during the regular season

• At the season’s conclusion, the winners of the two zones face each other in a one-off final to determine the national champion

• The bottom team in each zone is relegated directly to Division Two

• A playoff between the two second-to-last teams determines the third relegated club

The Dominant Force: Hasaacas Ladies

No discussion of Ghanaian women’s football is complete without acknowledging the unparalleled success of Hasaacas Ladies. Based in Sekondi, the “Hasmal Ladies” have established themselves as the most successful club in the league’s history.

Championship History:

The rivalry between Hasaacas Ladies and Ampem Darkoa has defined Ghanaian women’s football, with the two clubs meeting in eight of the eleven finals contested . Their dominance speaks to the quality of their development structures and the depth of talent they consistently produce.

Recent Action: Division One League Update

Beyond the Premier League, the Division One League continues to develop talent at the regional level. As of March 2026, Essiam Socrates Ladies are dominating the Central Region Women’s Division One League Zone 1 with a flawless record:

• 6 consecutive victories

• 18 points from 6 matches

• 41 goals scored, just 5 conceded

• A game in hand to extend their lead

In Zone 2, Akosombo Ladies lead the standings with 9 points from 4 games . These regional competitions serve as the proving ground for players aspiring to reach the Premier League and, eventually, the national team.

The National Team: Black Queens

Current Squad and Recent Performance

The Ghana Women’s National Team, nicknamed the Black Queens, represents Ghana in international competitions. Currently ranked #62 in the FIFA World Rankings, the team plays its home matches at the Accra Sports Stadium (capacity: 40,000) .

Current Squad (as of March 2026):

Recent Results:

The team’s recent form shows defensive resilience—four of their last five matches were draws or wins, with only the England friendly resulting in a loss. The 4-1 victory over Tanzania in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) demonstrated their attacking potential .

Top Performers

Alice Kusi leads the team in scoring during league play with 3 goals this season. The defender has added a surprising attacking dimension from the back while playing for Saudi club Al Ahli .

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, who plies her trade with Nottingham Forest WFC in England, is the team’s chief creator with 2 assists . Her experience in European football adds valuable sophistication to Ghana’s attack.

Stella Nyamekye has also contributed as a playmaker with 1 assist, while Evelyn Badu has chipped in with a goal .

Coaching Leadership

The Black Queens are led by head coach Lars Kim Björkegren, who has overseen a 50% win rate across 6 matches, averaging 1.67 points per game . Under his leadership, the team has shown tactical organization and defensive solidity, qualities essential for competing at the highest levels.

Upcoming Fixtures

The Black Queens have a busy schedule ahead, with critical WAFCON qualifiers:

These matches will be crucial for Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and building momentum toward future World Cup qualification.

Recent Lineup: Ghana vs Egypt (October 2025)

In a WAFCON qualifier against Egypt in October 2025, Coach Björkegren fielded a strong starting XI that illustrates the depth of talent available:

Starting XI:

• Cynthia K. Fiindib (GK)

• Josephine Bonsu

• Portia Boakye (C)

• Susan Ama Duah

• Comfort Yeboah

• Jennifer Cudjoe

• Grace Asantewaa

• Evelyn Badu

• Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah

• Princess D. Marfo

• Doris Boaduwaa

Substitutes:

• Afi Amenyeku

• Nancy Amoh

• Princella Adubea

• Alice Kusi

• Stella Nyamekye

• Nina Norshie

• Mary Amponsah

This squad depth—featuring players based in England, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, DR Congo, and locally—demonstrates the expanding horizons of Ghanaian women footballers.

The Game-Changer: FIFA U-15 Girls Regional Colts League

A Historic Launch

On January 23, 2026, the Ghana Football Association unveiled the inaugural FIFA U-15 Girls Regional Colts League at its headquarters in Accra . This initiative, backed by FIFA’s Women’s Football Development Programme, represents the most significant investment in grassroots women’s football in Ghanaian history.

The launch ceremony drew top figures from the women’s game, including FIFA Consultant Thuba Sibanda, GFA Executive Council members, Regional Football Association Chairmen, technical experts, players, and administrators .

The Vision

GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku framed the leagues as a triumph of shared vision and investment, reflecting on his administration’s strategic push since 2019 to build sustainable structures for women’s football growth .

For the first time ever, U15 girls in Ghana have a clear route from local pitches to elite levels, embedding values like discipline, teamwork, and excellence along the way .

The league is designed to:

• Provide a nationally coordinated and accessible pathway for girls under 15 to progress into elite football structures

• Enhance early talent identification across all 10 regions

• Promote grassroots participation and ensure a smooth transition from youth football to elite and national team levels

• Serve as a platform for character development and empowerment for young girls

The Numbers

The scale of the initiative is impressive:

• Leagues established in each of Ghana’s 10 football regions

• Approximately 80 U15 girls’ teams participating

• Over 3,300 young female footballers engaged nationwide

• GHS 80,000 committed by the GFA as start-up support

Opening Matches

The ceremonial kick-off took place at the McDan La Town Astro Turf, with FIFA Technical Expert Thuba Bridgette Sibandda performing the honors alongside officials from the League Board and the GFA .

Opening fixtures delivered excitement and drama:

• Ridge City Women defeated Ideal Ladies 2-1

• Epiphany New Gen beat Accra Ladyz 2-0

• Dangme South played out a goalless draw with Rock Ladies

• Cabfix Ladies thrashed Ga West Ladies 9-0

FIFA Support

FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer, Dame Sarai Bareman, expressed strong support for the initiative: “We hope that our collaboration will help to achieve your strategic goals in developing women’s football in Ghana and allow more girls and women to access the game” .

FIFA Technical Expert Thuba Sibandda emphasized that by targeting this specific age group, FIFA is “being deliberate in strengthening the development pathway and solidifying the foundation for the future of the game . She congratulated the GFA for strictly adhering to FIFA’s laid-down procedures, which she said has contributed to the recent successes of football development in Ghana .

The “Catch Them Young” Referees Programme

An innovative component of the U-15 league is the incorporation of the “Catch Them Young” referees programme, giving budding female referees their first official platform in the sport . This holistic approach ensures that the growth of women’s football extends beyond players to include match officials, coaches, and administrators.

Implementation Strategy

The GFA plans for Regional Football Associations (RFAs) to spearhead implementation at the local level, aiming to close the disparity gap between boys’ and girls’ football opportunities . This decentralized approach ensures that talent in every corner of Ghana has a chance to be discovered.

This initiative is a core part of the GFA Women’s Football Development Strategy, championed by Jennifer Amankwaa Sarpong, GFA Women’s Football Development Manager .

The Pathway: From Grassroots to Black Queens

For the first time in Ghanaian football history, a clear developmental pathway exists for female players:

Level 1: U-15 Regional Colts Leagues

• Entry point for aspiring footballers

• Focus on fundamentals and fun

• “Catch Them Young” referees program

• Over 3,300 girls currently participating

Level 2: Division Two League

• Regional competition

• Stepping stone to top-flight football

• Competitive environment for developing players

Level 3: Division One League

• Stronger competition across zones

• Recent example: Essiam Socrates Ladies dominating Central Region with 41 goals in 6 matches

• Pathway to Premier League recruitment

Level 4: Women’s Premier League

• 20 clubs competing for national title

• Northern and Southern zones

• Championship final determines national champion

• Dominated by Hasaacas Ladies (6 titles) and Ampem Darkoa (4 titles)

Level 5: National Team (Black Queens)

• International competition

• WAFCON qualifiers and tournaments

• FIFA World Cup qualification as ultimate goal

International Clubs

• Top Ghanaian players now compete in England, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, DR Congo, and beyond

• Professional opportunities expanding

International Recognition and Opportunities

Players Abroad

Ghanaian women footballers are increasingly plying their trade in professional leagues around the world:

This international exposure raises the standard of play for the national team and creates role models for young girls in Ghana.

FIFA Rankings

The Black Queens currently sit at #62 in the FIFA World Rankings . While there is room for improvement, the infrastructure now being built at the grassroots level promises to elevate this ranking in the years ahead.

Recent International Results

The team’s performance in the 2025 WAFCON demonstrated competitiveness:

• 4-1 victory over Tanzania

• 0-0 draw with Algeria

• 1-1 draw with Morocco

• 1-1 draw with South Africa

These results against established African powers show that Ghana can compete with the continent’s best.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges Facing Women’s Football

Despite remarkable progress, challenges remain:

1. Funding disparities – Women’s football still receives less investment than the men’s game

2. Media coverage – Limited broadcast and press attention

3. Facility access – Sharing facilities with men’s teams can limit training time

4. Professional opportunities – Fewer professional leagues mean top players must seek opportunities abroad

5. Cultural barriers – In some communities, girls’ participation in sports still faces resistance

Opportunities for Growth

The future, however, looks exceptionally bright:

1. FIFA partnership – Continued support through the Women’s Football Development Programme

2. U-15 league foundation – Over 3,300 girls now in structured competition

3. Referee development – “Catch Them Young” program creating female officials

4. International exposure – Players gaining experience in European and Middle Eastern leagues

5. Institutional commitment – GFA leadership prioritizing women’s football

Key Statistics: Women’s Football in Ghana at a Glance

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Ghana’s Women Footballers

The growth of women’s football in Ghana is no accident—it is the result of deliberate strategy, international partnership, and unwavering commitment from the Ghana Football Association. From the establishment of the Women’s Premier League in 2012 to the historic launch of the FIFA U-15 Girls Regional Colts League in January 2026, the infrastructure now exists for young girls across all 10 regions to pursue their football dreams .

The dominance of Hasaacas Ladies and Ampem Darkoa at the domestic level has created a culture of excellence . The Black Queens, led by players like Alice Kusi and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, continue to compete on the continental stage . And with over 3,300 girls now participating in structured U-15 competition, the pipeline of talent flowing toward the national team has never been stronger .

As GFA President Kurt Simeon-Okraku noted, sustained success at the top level must be built on strong foundations . Those foundations are now in place. For the young girl in Wa, in Hohoe, in Sekondi, or in Bolgatanga who dreams of wearing the Black Queens jersey, the path forward has never been clearer.

The growth of women’s football in Ghana is not just a sports story—it is a story of empowerment, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. And it is only just beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When was the Ghana Women’s Premier League established?
The league was founded in the 2012-2013 season, marking the beginning of organized top-flight women’s football in Ghana .

2. How many teams compete in the Women’s Premier League?
The league features 20 clubs divided into Northern and Southern zones .

3. Which team has won the most Women’s Premier League titles?
Hasaacas Ladies are the most successful club with 6 titles (2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2024) .

4. Who are the current Women’s Premier League champions?
Hasaacas Ladies are the reigning champions, having won the 2023-2024 season .

5. What is the FIFA U-15 Girls Regional Colts League?
Launched in January 2026, this FIFA-backed initiative provides structured competitive football for girls under 15 across all 10 regions of Ghana, involving approximately 80 teams and over 3,300 players .

6. Who is the head coach of the Black Queens?
Lars Kim Björkegren is the current head coach, with a 50% win rate across 6 matches .

7. Which Ghanaian women footballers play abroad?
Key players abroad include Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Nottingham Forest WFC, England), Princess Marfo (FC Nordsjælland, Denmark), and Alice Kusi (Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia) .

8. What is the FIFA ranking of the Black Queens?
Ghana’s women’s national team is currently ranked #62 in the FIFA World Rankings .

9. Who are the top scorers for the Black Queens recently?
Alice Kusi leads with 3 goals, followed by Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Evelyn Badu with 1 each .

10. What are the upcoming fixtures for the Black Queens?
Ghana faces Cape Verde (March 18, 2026), Cameroon (March 21, 2026), and Mali (March 24, 2026) in WAFCON qualifiers .

11. How is the Women’s Premier League champion determined?
The winners of the Northern and Southern zones face each other in a one-off final to decide the national champion .

12. How many teams are relegated from the Women’s Premier League?
The bottom team from each zone is relegated directly, while a playoff between the two second-to-last teams determines the third relegated club .

13. What is the “Catch Them Young” referees programme?
An initiative incorporated into the U-15 Girls Regional Colts League that gives budding female referees their first official platform in the sport .

14. How much funding did the GFA provide for the U-15 league?
The GFA committed GHS 80,000 as start-up support for the initiative .

15. Which teams are leading the Central Region Division One League?
Essiam Socrates Ladies dominate Zone 1 with 18 points from 6 matches, while Akosombo Ladies lead Zone 2 with 9 points from 4 games

Source: Accra Street Journal

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

accrastreetjournal.com/