The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have outlined a roadmap aimed at ending the country’s decades-long wait for a return to the Olympic Games football tournament.
The crucial engagement was convened specifically to map out a collaborative roadmap and discuss the rigorous qualification pathways for both national teams as they eye tickets to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
The high-level meeting involving the management team of the Black Queens and the technical leadership of the national U-23 football team, the Black Meteors, discussed proactive strategies to end a two-decade absence of Ghana football on the world’s biggest multi-sport stage, the Olympic Games.
The parties resolved that a structured blueprint will be put in motion, leaving nothing to chance as they forge a united front to break the 24-year Olympic football jinx.
In his address, President of the GOC, Mr. Richard Akpokavie, described the meeting as both timely and imperative given the sporting body’s overarching vision to have football flying the national flag in Los Angeles.
“The last time we played football at the Olympics was in the 2004 Athens Games; therefore, we had to meet to see possible collaboration for our mutual benefit,” he emphasized.
He commended the Football Association for clearly outlining the qualification timeline and assured them of the GOC’s undeterred support every step of the way.
On his part, leader of the GFA delegation and General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo thanked the GOC for taking the time to engage with the teams. He underscored that since the GOC holds the ultimate mandate for Ghana’s participation in the Olympic Games, working in lockstep is both prudent and necessary to secure success for both sides.
Chef de Mission (CDM) for Team Ghana to the LA2028 Olympic Games, Rev. Richmond Quarcoo, assured the GFA management team of his office’s active partnership, stressing that his doors remain open for close, hands-on coordination.
The robustly attended meeting brought together key sports administrators from both institutions. The GFA delegation was led by General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo alongside management committee members including Eugene Nobel Noel (Chairman), Frederick Agbenyo (Vice Chairman), Nana Kwame Danquah, Michael Boakye, and Ishmael Hamidu, alongside Janice Bossman, Head of Business Development.
The GOC was powerfully represented by President Mr. Richard Akpokavie, Muniru Kassim Mohamed (Secretary General), Ernest Danso (Third Vice President), Rev. Richmond Quarcoo (CDM for LA2028), Charles Osei Asibey (Director of Communications for the GOC) and Kenneth Odeng Adade (Press Officer for the GOC).
The Black Queens are expected to kick off their qualification campaign in June 2026, running through December 2027 across five rigorous series of matches.
Meanwhile, the Black Meteors begin their quest between November 2026 and March 2027, with their sights firmly set on securing a slot at the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, the ultimate gateway where the two finalists automatically secure Olympic qualification.
