As part of FIFA’s ongoing mission to promote safe and inclusive football, WAFU B held a one-day Safeguarding seminar for Ghana’s U-17 women’s team, the Black Maidens, at the GFA Technical Center in Prampram. The session was led by WAFU B Safeguarding Officer Elizabeth Tall and GFA’s Safeguarding Officer Bernice Bempah, who educated the team on the principles of the FIFA Guardians programme.

The seminar focused on preventing harassment, abuse, and exploitation in football, emphasizing the rights of every participant to a safe environment. “Everyone in football has the right to protection from harassment, abuse, and exploitation—be it physical, emotional, or sexual, neglect, or bullying,” said Elizabeth Tall during the session.

The FIFA Guardians Programme serves as a global framework for all 211 member associations to protect children and young people in football, as stipulated in Article 3 of the FIFA Statutes and Article 23 of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

This initiative aligns with FIFA’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the sport and creating a safe space for players, coaches, officials, and staff.

The Black Maidens, who have enjoyed a flawless group-stage performance in the ongoing WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup, are set to face the runner-up from Group B in the semi-finals on Thursday, December 19.