Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's message congratulating the Black Maidens on their win over Canada at the U17 Women's World Cup has drawn mixed reactions, with some social media users using the replies to ask why she has not spoken on the alleged sexual abuse of students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

In the post on X on Saturday, the Vice President said she had been following the progress of the young Black Maidens and found it encouraging to see them represent Ghana with confidence and determination. She said their performances show the enormous potential of women's football in Ghana. She urged them to stay focused, united and confident, and congratulated the players, the technical team and everyone who brought them this far.

The Maidens beat Canada 2:0 in their final Group C match in Morocco on 24 October. Substitutes Linda Achiaa and Christiana Ashiaku scored after a goalless first half. The result gave Ghana four points and second place behind Brazil, after a 3:0 loss to Norway and a 3:3 draw with Brazil. They face Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, 28 October, on their return to the tournament after missing the previous two editions.

Replies to the Vice President's post were divided. Several users said she had stayed silent on the Obuasi allegations while praising a football team. Others asked her to speak up about bonuses and incentives for national teams. One user urged critics to leave the players in peace, saying the girls needed prayers and calm and that the debate could wait until after the tournament.

About 19 female students have reportedly made allegations against the school's headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, who has denied them. The Education Minister directed his interdiction and asked police to investigate. On 20 October, the Ghana Education Service directed the Ashanti Regional and Obuasi Municipal Education Directors to step aside. The allegations remain unproven.

The Vice President's silence has already become a political talking point. NPP National Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye said on 21 October that it could disappoint women and girls, while acknowledging she might be working behind the scenes. NDC communicator Hamza Suhuyini replied that her silence does not mean inaction.

Source: https://x.com/njoagyemang/status/2114100891468865692?s=46