The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has launched an insurance policy for referees, describing it as a major step forward in welfare, protection and professional support for match officials across the country’s domestic leagues.
The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, fulfils a commitment he made during the 31st Ordinary Session of Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on August 12, 2025. Announcing the new scheme, he said it represented “a significant milestone in the journey of our football,” stressing the central role referees play in maintaining fairness and integrity in the game.
Recalling the pledge he made at Congress, the GFA President reaffirmed his determination to strengthen the working conditions of referees. “On that day, I assured you that the Football Association under my humble leadership would take bold and deliberate steps to elevate referee welfare, strengthen officiating standards and provide the necessary protection and motivation for the men and women who uphold the integrity of the game,” he said.
He expressed pride in delivering on that pledge, noting that the scheme was “a comprehensive welfare intervention designed to support, protect and empower our referees across all domestic competitions.”
All 280 referees in the Premier League, Division One League and Women’s Premier League have been enrolled onto the new insurance policy introduced by the GFA. The package includes Group Life Cover, Critical Illness Protection, Permanent Disability Compensation, Medical Expenses Support and Workmen’s Compensation. It also provides additional benefits for referees’ families, including spouse, child and parent coverage, as well as funeral support.
“This is not just an insurance policy; it is a social protection package,” Simeon-Okraku stressed. “It is a statement that the GFA cares deeply about its referees, their families and their future.”
As part of measures to improve working conditions, the GFA has also supplied all referees with essential logistics. Each official will receive two pairs of boots per season, three sets of uniforms in different colours and three sets of warm-up kits. According to the President, this marks the first time referees are receiving such a comprehensive logistics bundle. “It represents our firm belief that referees should not struggle to access the essential gear required for their work,” he said.
The long-standing partnership with STC Coaches will also continue, granting referees a 50 per cent discount on official travel to and from match centres.
Beyond welfare, Mr Simeon-Okraku outlined ongoing reforms aimed at raising refereeing standards nationwide. Working with FIFA and CAF, the Association has instituted national and regional refresher courses, technical and theoretical workshops, mandatory fitness assessments, enhanced evaluations and performance-based referee appointments. Video analysis has also been introduced to support referee development.
He also highlighted growing female participation and the continued success of the “Catch Them Young” refereeing initiative, which seeks to develop young talent across the country.
Concluding his address, the GFA President said the launch marked the beginning of significant change within Ghana’s refereeing landscape. “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 said.
He pledged that the GFA would continue to prioritise the wellbeing of match officials. “This is our promise. This is our commitment. And this is our fulfillment of the pledge made at Congress.”
The launch ceremony was attended by Senior Business Manager of Enterprise Life Assurance Company, Jerry Kwame Hodasi, Chairperson of the Referees Committee, Christine Enyonam Zigah, Referees Manager, Alexander Kotey, as well as male and female FIFA referees.
