By Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced a significant increase in match fees for referees officiating across Ghana’s top football competitions for the 2025/26 season.
This development forms part of the GFA’s ongoing commitment to enhance officiating standards and improve the welfare of referees nationwide.
According to the new structure, Fifa-accredited referees will receive GHS 2,500 per match, reflecting the premium placed on their international certification and expertise.
Non-Fifa referees officiating Ghana Premier League games will earn GHS 2,000 per match, while those handling matches in the Division One League and Women’s Premier League will be paid GHS 1,000 per game.
This tiered pay system aims to fairly compensate officials based on the level of competition and their accreditation status. In addition to the fee increment, the GFA has introduced comprehensive welfare measures for all referees.
These include insurance coverage to protect officials against life, health, and work-related risks, ensuring their safety and well-being both on and off the pitch. The initiatives mark a proactive step by the GFA to recognise referees as integral contributors to the game’s success.
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of these measures during the announcement, stating: “Improved welfare is key to the performance and integrity of our referees. This is an investment in the credibility of our competitions.”
The new match fee rates and welfare packages will take effect from the opening round of the 2025/26 season, signalling a fresh start aimed at professionalising football officiating in Ghana.
