Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has reaffirmed the FA’s unwavering commitment to referee welfare and integrity as he unveiled an unprecedented insurance policy designed to protect match officials across all major domestic competitions.
Speaking at the launch event, President Simeon-Okraku applauded the steady strides made in elevating the standards and support systems for referees but admitted that the path forward still demands serious introspection and collective effort.
“While we celebrate these achievements, we must also confront the challenges that remain,” he stated.
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Central to his message was the pressing need to address ongoing doubts and negative public narratives that continue to shadow the work of match officials. He described integrity and perception as two critical pillars that must be fortified to sustain public confidence in Ghana’s domestic leagues.
“Issues of integrity and public perception continue to cast unwarranted shadows over the hard work of our referees,” he noted. “Allegations, sometimes real, sometimes imagined, damage the credibility of our competitions and erode public trust. We cannot ignore this. We must work harder to ensure that our referees are not only impartial but are seen to be impartial.”
The newly introduced insurance package, according to Simeon-Okraku, represents more than a protective cover, it signals a cultural shift in how the football ecosystem values its officials. He portrayed the initiative as an important turning point in safeguarding the health, safety and dignity of referees nationwide.
“Today’s launch signals the beginning of a new era, a future where Ghanaian referees can step onto the pitch with peace of mind, knowing that their health, safety, welfare and dignity are protected,” he affirmed.
He further emphasized that the project is a fulfilment of a commitment made to football stakeholders, reinforcing the FA’s resolve to build a transparent, supportive and accountable refereeing system:
“This is our promise. This is our commitment. And this is our fulfilment of the pledge made at Congress.”
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In his concluding remarks, the GFA President urged all stakeholders to join forces in strengthening Ghana’s officiating landscape, insisting that long-term success relies on unity, integrity and professionalism at every level of the game:
“As we look to the future, let us move forward together, stronger, more united and more determined to build a football ecosystem where fairness, professionalism and welfare are upheld at the highest level.”
The rollout of the insurance scheme stands as a groundbreaking milestone for Ghanaian football—one aimed at bolstering referee welfare while restoring confidence, credibility and trust in the nation’s officiating structures.
