George Saijah, chairman of the Referees Association of Ghana, recently revealed that referees officiating matches in the Ghana Premier League earn $63.41 (GHS 1,000 per game). This disclosure comes amid growing concerns that some referees might feel compelled to favor certain clubs due to inadequate compensation.
During an inquiry into a petition from the Save Ghana Football Forum, Saijah elaborated on the financial structure for referees across various leagues, including the Ghana Premier League, Division One League, and Women’s League. He clarified that the GHS 1,000 payment is intended to cover multiple expenses such as transportation, officiating fees, hotel accommodation, and meals.
“The salary is a take-home of 1,000 cedis for Premier League referees,” Saijah stated. “Referees in the Division One League and Women’s League receive 750 cedis.” He emphasized that this amount encompasses all essential costs, including food and lodging.
However, a closer examination suggests that the actual expenses for a referee officiating a single match could exceed this compensation. This discrepancy raises concerns about the financial pressures faced by referees, potentially impacting their impartiality and the integrity of the game. As discussions continue, there is a pressing need to address these compensation issues to ensure fair officiating in Ghanaian football.
