Kurt Okraku urges integrity in Ghanaian refereeing after landmark insurance policy
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and CAF 2nd Vice-President, has urged renewed commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public trust in Ghanaian refereeing as he unveiled a comprehensive insurance policy for match officials across the country’s top competitions.
Safeguarding Referees
The scheme, launched in Accra, covers referees in the Premier League, Division One League, and Women’s Premier League, providing protection for health, safety, welfare, and dignity. Okraku described the initiative as more than a welfare milestone, calling it a new chapter of assurance and respect for 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.
Integrity and Public Perception
While acknowledging progress in referee development, Okraku stressed that challenges remain, particularly around public perception and integrity:
“Issues of integrity and public perception continue to cast unwarranted shadows over the hard work of our referees. 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.”
Fulfilment of a Pledge
The GFA President emphasized that the insurance scheme represents the fulfillment of a pledge made at Congress, reinforcing the FA’s dedication to building a supportive and accountable refereeing environment.
“This is our promise. This is our commitment. And this is our fulfillment of the pledge made at Congress.”
Rallying Call
Okraku concluded with a call for unity and collective effort:
“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.”
This launch not only safeguards referees’ wellbeing but also reaffirms the GFA’s broader mission to enhance confidence, credibility, and integrity in Ghanaian football.
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