When Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak walk onto the Baba Yara Sports Stadium pitch on Friday, August 28, 2026, for the 2026 Democracy Cup, one man will have the responsibility of keeping the fierce rivals in check.

His name is Charles Bulu.

Bulu is not only a FIFA referee but also an officer of the Ghana Immigration Service, combining his professional career with a long-standing journey in football officiating.

His reputation has been built over several years, with Bulu previously nominated for the Best Referee award at the 2016/17 FA Cup Awards.

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He has also found himself at the centre of some memorable moments in Ghanaian football.

In January 2020, the GFA Referees Committee commended Bulu following his performance in Asante Kotoko's Ghana Premier League meeting with Berekum Chelsea.

A year later, however, Bulu made international headlines for a very different reason.

While officiating the 2021 AFCON qualifier between Ivory Coast and Ethiopia in Abidjan, he collapsed late in the game and had to be taken from the pitch for medical attention.

Now, five years later, Bulu returns to the spotlight for another major assignment.

He will referee today's Democracy Cup clash between Kotoko and Hearts at 4pm, assisted by Seth Abletor and Richard Nartey, with Julian Nunoo as fourth official.



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