Gifty Oware Mensah, a name synonymous with women’s empowerment in Ghanaian sports, is not only the CEO and founder of Berry Ladies FC but also a remarkable academic achiever. With four master’s degrees from renowned universities across the globe, Gifty is currently pursuing her PhD in Historical Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Her journey into football management reflects her deep-rooted passion for promoting opportunities for women, especially in traditionally male-dominated spaces like sports.
In 2019, Gifty took a bold step by acquiring Halifax Ladies Football Club and rebranding it into Berry Ladies FC. When asked by Just4WomenAfrica about her inspiration behind owning a football club, Gifty spoke candidly about her desire for inclusion and creating a platform for young women to thrive. “For me, it’s all about how best I can help young women. By bringing them together, I want to give them a better life,” she shared. This mission to support young female athletes has become the driving force behind her leadership of the club.
Gifty’s journey in sports began long before her entry into football management. During her senior high school days, she was actively involved in sports, and her passion followed her into university. She became captain of the Independence Hall football team, while also playing hockey and badminton. Gifty’s leadership qualities and athletic abilities were apparent early on. Her growing interest in football was further solidified in 2010 when she joined forces with the current President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, to organize testimonial matches. This experience not only enhanced her love for football but also paved the way for her eventual decision to manage a football club.
Running a women’s football club, however, has not been without its challenges. Gifty pointed out that financial constraints are one of the biggest hurdles. “People need to understand that football has evolved. It’s no longer just about people gathering for the love of the game. It’s now a business, and that’s how it should be viewed,” she emphasized. She believes that this mindset shift is essential to sustaining and growing women’s football in Ghana and beyond.
Despite the challenges, Gifty remains optimistic about the future of Berry Ladies FC. Her vision for the club is ambitious, as she sees it competing on the international stage and her players making significant societal impacts. “I want my players to be recognized not only for their talents on the field but also for how they influence the world around them,” she said. Gifty is committed to building a club that goes beyond football, developing young women who will become leaders in their communities.
In addition to her work with Berry Ladies FC, Gifty is a strong advocate for more women to get involved in the sports industry. She stresses that women do not need to be players to make an impact in sports. “There’s so much potential in the administrative and technical sides of sports. Women should explore these areas too,” she advised. This holistic approach to women’s participation in sports is what Gifty believes will ultimately lead to greater representation and success for women in the field.
When discussing her role models in the sports industry, Gifty named Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former GFA President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the current GFA President, and Hajia Habibata as key influences. These individuals, she noted, have played significant roles in shaping Ghanaian football and inspiring her journey as a football club owner.
On the topic of gender equality in football, Gifty is hopeful that women will soon receive equal pay to men in the sport. “I believe we’re heading in the right direction. FIFA’s vision for 2030 is to make football as much a woman’s sport as a man’s. I think equal pay will be part of that future,” she remarked. Gifty’s optimism is rooted in the progress she has seen in the women’s game and the increasing global attention to the issue of gender pay gaps in sports.
Gifty Oware Mensah’s story is one of determination, vision, and the belief that women can excel in any field they choose. Through her work with Berry Ladies FC, she is not only changing the landscape of football for women in Ghana but also inspiring a new generation of female athletes and leaders. Her journey, both in academia and sports, demonstrates that with perseverance and the right mindset, anything is possible. As she continues to push boundaries, there’s no doubt that Gifty’s impact will be felt far beyond the football pitch.
