Head coach of Ghana’s U-17 women’s team, the Black Maidens, Joe Nana Adarkwa, has reaffirmed the team’s commitment to strict age verification, following past sanctions over eligibility breaches.
His remarks come after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned Ghana from two editions of the U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers over an age fraud incident in 2022.
The fallout triggered reforms in player screening within the national setup.
Speaking after his side’s emphatic 6-0 win over Togo on Saturday, April 19, 2026, Mr. Adarkwa stressed that lessons have been learned and safeguards strengthened to prevent a repeat.
“In terms of ages, we are very careful with everything we do. Any player we pick goes through the FA system to confirm eligibility for U-17. There’s no shaking,” he said.
He also highlighted the team’s growing confidence and focus as the qualifiers progress.
“The girls are focused and hungry for success. What you saw today is just a glimpse of what we are capable of,” he added.
The Black Maidens’ dominant 6-0 victory sealed an 8-0 aggregate win over Togo, booking their place in the next round.
Ghana will now face Liberia’s U-17 women’s side in the next stage of the qualifiers.
