Referees in Ghana’s top football competitions are set for a historic boost in welfare and working conditions as the Football Association (GFA) rolls out a comprehensive package of incentives and protections for the 2025/26 season.
Speaking at the 31st Ordinary Session of Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku announced a series of reforms designed to enhance referee welfare, strengthen professionalism, and safeguard match officials from both physical and financial vulnerabilities.
“Our referees will take centre stage in terms of their welfare going into the new season,” President Simeon- Okraku declared. “The Executive Committee, having reviewed all operational need areas, has approved new working conditions for our referees in the GPL, DoL, and WPL.”
From the start of the 2025/26 season, all 280 referees in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Division One League (DoL), and Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be enrolled in an insurance policy covering Group Life Cover, critical Illness, permanent Disability, medical Expenses and workmen’s compensation
Additional benefits will include spouse, child, and parent benefits, as well as funeral support. The President also revealed that match commissioners will be considered for inclusion in the scheme from the 2026/27 season.
Each referee will receive two pairs of boots per season, three sets of uniforms in different colours and three warm-up uniforms.
The GFA will also maintain its partnership with STC, enabling referees to enjoy a 50% travel discount for match duties.
In a major financial uplift, FIFA-accredited referees in the GPL will earn ₵2,5000 per game, while non-FIFA referees will receive ₵2,000 per game. Referees in the DoL and WPL will each be paid ₵1,000 per match.
While hooliganism at match venues has declined significantly, Okraku expressed concern over occasional incidents of physical and verbal abuse against referees by players, officials, and supporters.
“We must take a united stand, as a football family, to protect our referees and uphold the values of discipline, respect, and fair play,” he urged.
The GFA is also exploring the phased introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, in collaboration with CAF, FIFA, and other partners, to enhance accuracy and reduce controversy in officiating.
The President concluded by calling for unity and commitment in building “a refereeing system that is credible, competent, and respected — one that holds its own in Ghana, Africa and beyond.”
