GFA equips referees with new gear amid Mahamaâ??s call for officiating reforms

The Ghana Football Association has provided referees with new officiating equipment for the 2026/27 season, days after President John Dramani Mahama called for urgent improvements in refereeing to restore confidence in Ghanaian football.

Ghana Premier League referees have received two pairs of boots, three sets of officiating uniforms in different colours and three warm-up kits as part of the GFA’s continued support for match officials.

The equipment is intended to improve the working conditions of referees and ensure they are adequately prepared for the demands of the new season.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over officiating in Ghanaian football.

Speaking after receiving Medeama, Nations FC and Ampem Darkoa Ladies at Jubilee House earlier this week, President Mahama described refereeing as one of the factors hurting the domestic game and called on the GFA and Ghana Referees Association to take action.

“Unfortunately, refereeing is one of the things that is destroying our soccer,” Mahama said.

He also raised concerns about public confidence in the integrity of matches, arguing that some supporters believe games are effectively decided before kick-off.

“A lot of the spectators have abandoned going to watch matches because they believe that the matches are preset before even they go to play the match. So spectator numbers are dwindling,” he added.

Mahama urged the GFA and Ghana Referees Association to find ways to improve officiating and make the league more competitive.

The GFA’s latest intervention provides referees with equipment as the association seeks to improve their welfare, professionalism and preparedness across its competitions.

The distribution is part of the FA’s broader support for referees and assistant referees under the leadership of President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku.

While better equipment alone will not address the wider concerns surrounding officiating, the GFA will hope the investment contributes to improved working conditions and stronger performances from match officials throughout the 2026/27 season.

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