Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commended staff of the Embassy of Ghana in the United Arab Emirates for ensuring the welfare of the Senior National Women’s Team, the Black Queens, and their technical bench amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The Black Queens are participating in the four-nation Pink Ladies Cup tournament in Dubai. Concerns over their safety emerged as tensions escalated following coordinated military action by the United States and Israel against targets in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In response to the strikes, Iran launched waves of missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, including at military and U.S. allied installations in countries such as the UAE and Qatar.
The joint U.S.–Israeli offensive, reported to have included strikes on Iranian military sites, was intended to degrade Tehran’s strategic capabilities after protracted tensions over its nuclear programme and regional activities. The retaliation by Iran involved multiple waves of missiles and drones striking U.S. forces, Gulf state infrastructure, and allied positions, prompting airspace closures and heightened alerts across the region.
The escalation has also disrupted civilian travel and commerce in the Gulf, with airports in major hubs such as Dubai and Doha operating under restrictions and global markets reacting to the heightened uncertainty. Gulf states, including Qatar and the UAE, have reported debris and damage from intercepted Iranian projectiles, though large-scale casualties appear limited as air defences have intercepted numerous strikes.
Against this backdrop, Ablakwa lauded the professionalism and courage of the Ghanaian mission staff in the UAE for safeguarding the team of 25 players and 16 officials, and for extending consular support to ensure their safety.
“I commend our embassy staff in UAE for their remarkable patriotism, courage, compassion and professionalism as they continue to look out for the Black Queens, extending consular support, and ensuring their collective safety,” the Minister said.
The embassy’s assistance has enabled the Black Queens to remain in the competition and compete in their second match against Russia women’s national football team at the Al Hamriya Sports Club today at 4:00 p.m. local time, hoping to secure a second win after thrashing Hong Kong women’s national football team 4–0, with goals from Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Boye.
The Black Queens have shown promising form under coach Kim Lars, building on their bronze medal performance at the African Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco, and continuing the rise of women’s football in Ghana.
Ghana’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens in the Gulf region has also seen Embassy staff assist with evacuations of nationals in Iran and extend support to Ghanaians in Qatar, where registration for potential evacuation is underway as tensions persist.
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