Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised concerns about the independence of referees in Ghana and the poor working conditions they allegedly endure while officiating domestic football matches.

Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Assafuah questioned the Ghana Football Association’s decision-making process regarding the composition of its Referees Committee, arguing that the appointment of members of the Referees Association of Ghana could undermine the independence of match officials.

He explained that disbanding an existing Referees Committee and replacing it with a new one could create concerns about the influence of football administrators over refereeing decisions.

“If these referees are going out to officiate matches, they are not paid their allowances,” he said, highlighting what he described as the financial difficulties facing referees in the country.

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Assafuah contrasted the situation in Ghana with practices in the United Kingdom, where referees travelling for matches have their transportation, accommodation and allowances arranged in advance.

He cited the example of a referee travelling from Bournemouth to Manchester, saying travel tickets and hotel bills would be paid ahead of the assignment.

According to him, some Ghanaian referees are forced to finance their own transportation when travelling long distances for matches, with officials sometimes spending the night on buses because they cannot afford to travel a day earlier.

He argued that such conditions leave referees physically exhausted before they even arrive at the stadium, potentially affecting their preparation for matches.

Assafuah also raised concerns about accommodation arrangements, claiming that some referees are left without proper places to rest before officiating.

Vincent Ekow Assafuah raises concerns about referees’ working conditions

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