Mahama calls for greater investment in women's football

President John Mahama has urged authorities to invest more in women’s football, arguing that the women’s game has delivered greater success for Ghana despite receiving less financial support than men’s football.

Speaking at the Jubilee House during a courtesy call by Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC, MTN FA Cup winners Nations FC and Ampem Darkoa Ladies ahead of their continental campaigns, Mahama said the imbalance in support must be addressed.

According to the President, Ghana’s women’s teams have won more honours than their male counterparts, yet funding continues to favour the men’s game.

“Indeed, we have done much better in women’s football than in men’s football. Our women have won more trophies for us than the men, and yet we put all the money into men’s football,” he said.

Mahama stressed the need for deliberate policies to promote women’s football and improve standards across the women’s game.

He pointed to what he described as unequal treatment during the visit, noting that Ampem Darkoa Ladies initially received less attention than the men's clubs.

“Even today, you can see the discrimination. Ampem Darkoa were here, and they were almost ignored until I intervened. Yet look at the presentation she made, very eloquent,” he added.

The President called for affirmative measures to bridge the gap between men’s and women’s football.

“In the spirit of affirmative action, we must deliberately support women’s football and help bring the women’s teams up,” he said.

Mahama also announced financial support for the three clubs as they prepare for their respective continental assignments.

Medeama SC will receive GH¢342,000 (US$30,000), while Nations FC have been allocated GH¢228,000 (US$20,000). Ampem Darkoa Ladies will receive GH¢114,000 (US$10,000).

The President further revealed that government has earmarked funds in the 2026 budget for the construction of 10 new stadiums across the country, including in the Oti, Western North, Ahafo, Bono East, Savannah and North East regions.

He added that athletics, boxing and other sporting disciplines would also benefit from government support once the Sports Development Fund becomes fully operational.