The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has met members of the senior national women’s soccer team, the Black Queen their in camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The team has been in the Gulf state preparing for this month’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as they participate in the four-nation Pink Ladies Cup.
However, the escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran has left many in the region raising concerns about safety and security.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday issued an advisory to citizens against non-essential travels to the Middle East while those there have been cautioned to stay indoors as much as possible, at least until tensions ease.
A statement issued by the GFA on Sunday, March 1 said Mr Simeon-Okraku, who is also the Second Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), appealed to the players for calm when he met with the team.
“He assured the team that the GFA has, over the last 24 to 48 hours, engaged with all stakeholders, including Ghana’s mission in the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and our Security Advisors, in its quest to find the right solution to the problem,” the statement said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, have both reportedly called “to offer the nation’s support to the team during this period”.
“The GFA respectfully asks everyone to be calm as we monitor the situation,” the nation’s football-governing body stated.
It added: “We will keep our stakeholders updated should there be further developments.”