In a field mostly dominated by men, we hardly talk about women who are doing exceptionally well in the same sporting arena. Today marks International Women’s Day as we explore women athletes who have etched their names in the nation’s sporting history.
From breaking records on the field to inspiring millions, these women sports personalities have not only redefined their respective games but also shattered gender stereotypes, leaving an indelible mark on the sporting landscape.
RGG NEWS celebrates the prowess and resilience of these inspirational women who have become icons in the realm of Ghanaian sports.
First is Madam Theodosia Salome Okoh, was born on June 13, 1922, in Wenchi. Daughter of Reverend Emmanuel Victor Asihene and Madam Dora Asihene. She was the fourth of eight children.
She designed Ghana’s iconic national flag. The flag’s red, gold, and green colors represent Ghana’s lush vegetation, mineral wealth, and the sacrifices made for independence, while a single black star represents African unity and freedom from colonialism.
Madam Okoh was instrumental in the growth of hockey in Ghana. She specialized in talent acquisition and played an important role in game organization.
It’s no surprise she’s known as the godmother of Ghanaian hockey.
She was the first chairperson of the Ghana Hockey Association and, later, the President of the Ghana Hockey Federation for more than two decades, overseeing historic World Cup and Olympic qualification matches. Madam Theodosia Salome Okoh passed away on April 19, 2015
Next Alice Annum also known as “Baby Jet”. Alice Anum was born on 20th October,1948 in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and a product of Accra Girls’ where she had her secondary education.
Alice Annum was the first woman to represent Ghana at the Olympics, making three consecutive appearances at the Olympics in 1964 in Japan, 1968 in Mexico, and 1972 in Germany.
She won gold medals in the Long Jump at the 1965 All Africa Games held in Congo Brazzaville as well as 100 and 200-meter races at the 1973 All Africa Games in Lagos, Nigeria.
She continued in her stride at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland where she picked a silver medal. In the 1974 edition hosted by the city of Christchurch in New Zealand, she settled for bronze.
Also, another great personality is Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoe. Mercy Tagoe is a retired footballer. In her prime, she played for Ghana’s national female football team, the Black Queens. Her first major tournament was the 1999 World Cup staged in the U.S.A, incidentally the maiden appearance by Ghana at the highest level.
Following her retirement from football, Tagoe did not abandon the game but went on to become an accomplished referee, assuming a pioneering role as one of Ghana’s first female FIFA Referees.
She was the first female to become Head Coach of a Ghanaian club, Amidaus Professionals. In 2016 when she chalked up this feat, her club was in the elite football division. She is now the head coach of the Royal Oaks team.
Last but not the least is Adwoa Bayor who is a stylish playmaker for the Black Queens. She was a member of the team that represented Ghana at its first World Cup in 1999. Bayor’s impressive play earned her Africa Female Footballer of the Year award in 2003. Again, she was in contention for laurels in 2004, 2006 and 2010.
She played and excelled abroad, for Germany’s SS USV Jena and the USA’s FC Indiana, while also representing the Queens at the 1999, 2003, and 2007 World Cups.
She made 33 appearances for the Black Queens and scored 6 goals.
In her prime, she was considered one of the world’s top players and once played for a World All-Stars team against China in April 2007.
Finally is Margaret Simpson, born on 31 December 1981 in Krapa. She was a heptathlete who reached the global podium for the first time at the 2005 World Championships in Athletics, where she won a bronze medal for Ghana.
Simpson missed the 2006 season but returned the year after with a gold medal performance at the 2007 All-Africa Games.
The 42-year-old had an amazing career conquering the African continent in Heptathlon events with 11 medals for Ghana.
The indomitable spirit and achievements of these five women sports personalities in Ghana exemplify the strength, skill, and unwavering dedication that continue to elevate women’s impact and representation in the country’s sporting narrative.
