It is not without reason that the Ghana Football Association named the senior women's national team the Black Queens.
Yet, despite carrying such a regal title for decades, Ghanaians have rarely had the opportunity to celebrate them as true queens of African football.
Time and again, the Black Queens have represented the nation with pride on the international stage, only to see their campaigns end in heartbreak. However, another opportunity has presented itself for them to finally claim the continental crown they have long pursued.
On Wednesday, the Black Queens will begin their quest for African glory at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Beyond the ultimate prize of lifting the trophy, reaching the semi-finals would also secure qualification for the next FIFA Women's World Cup, providing additional motivation for Head Coach Kim Lars Björkegren and his players.
The Black Queens hold a special place in Ghana's football history. They became the country's first senior national team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup when they reached the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup.
While another World Cup qualification would be a remarkable achievement, many Ghanaians believe nothing would be more fitting than ending the tournament as champions of Africa.
Supporters are well aware of how close the team has come to lifting the trophy. The Black Queens finished runners-up in 1998, 2002 and 2006, with Nigeria denying them the title on each occasion. Those painful memories should serve as inspiration rather than a burden.
This campaign offers another chance to overcome that long-standing Nigerian hurdle and restore joy to Ghanaian football. Following the Black Stars' recent disappointment at the FIFA World Cup, a successful WAFCON campaign would provide the nation with a much-needed reason to celebrate.
As the tournament progresses, the government and the Ghana Football Association must continue to provide the team with all necessary resources and support to enable them to succeed.
Investments in women's football should not end with qualification but should continue through preparation, welfare and logistics.
The Black Stars have now gone more than four decades without winning the Africa Cup of Nations. Ghanaians will be hoping that history does not cast a similar shadow over the women's team.
The entire nation stands behind the Black Queens in prayer and unwavering support. After their impressive third-place finish at the last edition of the tournament, expectations are understandably high.
The players have shown they possess the talent, determination and resilience to compete with Africa's best.
Now is the time for the Black Queens not only to live up to their name but to wear the crown and bring the WAFCON trophy home to Ghana.
