The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced a comprehensive insurance policy for referees, marking a major milestone in improving 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 made by GFA President and CAF 2nd Vice-President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, during the 31st Ordinary Congress at Prampram in August.
Describing the launch as a “significant milestone in the journey of our football,” Simeon-Okraku underscored the crucial role referees play in safeguarding the integrity of the sport.
He noted that the promise he made at Congress was now fully realised:
“On that day, I assured you that the Football Association would take bold and deliberate steps to elevate referee welfare, strengthen officiating standards and provide the protection and motivation needed for the men and women who uphold the integrity of the game.”
The new policy offers wide-ranging protection, including Group Life Cover, Critical Illness benefits, Permanent Disability Compensation, Medical Expense Support and Workmen’s Compensation. It also extends to referees’ families, providing spouse, child and parent benefits, along with funeral support.
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“This is not just an insurance policy; it is a social protection package,” he emphasised. “It is a statement that the GFA cares deeply about its referees, their families and their future.”
A total of 280 referees across the Premier League, Division One League and Women’s Premier League have been enrolled.
Beyond insurance, the GFA is also providing enhanced logistics to improve officiating conditions. Each referee will receive two pairs of boots per season, three sets of uniforms in different colours and three sets of warm-up kits; a first in the history of the Association.
“It represents our firm belief that referees should not struggle to access the essential gear required for their work,” Simeon-Okraku noted.
The long-standing partnership with STC Coaches will also continue, allowing referees to enjoy a 50% discount on official travel for match duties.
The GFA President further highlighted efforts to raise officiating standards through national and regional refresher courses, technical workshops, fitness assessments, performance-based appointments and increased use of video analysis. He also pointed to progress made in female referee development and the success of the “Catch Them Young” programme.
Simeon-Okraku described the launch as the beginning of a transformative chapter for Ghanaian refereeing.
“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.
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He reaffirmed the GFA’s commitment to making referee welfare a top priority, adding, “This is our promise. This is our commitment. And this is our fulfillment of the pledge made at Congress.”
The event was attended by senior officials, including Jerry Kwame Hodasi of Enterprise Life Assurance, Referees Committee Chairperson Christine Enyonam Zigah, Referees Manager Alexander Kotey, and several male and female FIFA referees.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Monica Bukari
