The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has assured the public of the safety and well-being of the senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

In an official statement on Sunday, the GFA announced that President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku met with the players and technical staff to encourage calm and solidarity.

“Over the last 24 to 48 hours, we have engaged all relevant stakeholders in our quest to find the right solution to the situation,” Simeon-Okraku told the team. “We want you to remain focused and assured that your safety and welfare remain our top priority.”

The Football Association stated it is in regular contact with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Security Advisors to monitor developments closely.

Government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams, have also contacted the team to express national support.

“We are grateful for the show of concern and support from the government and all stakeholders,” the statement added. “We respectfully ask everyone to remain calm as we continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates if there are further developments.”

The Black Queens have spent the past week in the United Arab Emirates preparing for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.