Ghana Premier League referees are reportedly demanding between $300 and $400 per match as compensation for officiating games in the upcoming 2025/26 campaign, marking a significant increase from current payment structures.
This development comes as the Ghana Football Association prepares for the new season with enhanced referee training programs.
The salary demands reflect growing concerns among match officials about the financial sustainability of their role in Ghana’s top-flight football.
Currently, referees in Ghana’s premier division earn considerably less than their counterparts in other African leagues, creating challenges in retaining experienced officials and attracting new talent to the profession.
The timing of these demands coincides with the Referees Department releasing its program for the 2025/26 season, kicking off with the FIFA MA Instructors course on July 10.
This suggests that officials are seeking improved compensation as they prepare for more rigorous training and higher performance standards.
The financial implications are substantial for the Ghana Football Association, which spends GHS 7.5 million each year on officiating according to GFA President Kurt Okraku.
The proposed increase would significantly impact this budget allocation, potentially requiring clubs and sponsors to contribute more toward match officiating costs.
This development parallels broader discussions about football compensation in Ghana.
Recently, former Ghana midfielder Kojo Addae Mensah highlighted the financial struggles in local football, noting that Ethiopian leagues pay players between $2,000 and $3,000 monthly, while advocating for Ghana Premier League players to earn at least $200 monthly.
The referees’ demands reflect the challenging economic environment facing Ghana’s football ecosystem. Match officials face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality performances while managing the physical and psychological demands of officiating in a competitive league environment.
Professional football leagues across Africa are grappling with similar challenges as they seek to balance financial sustainability with the need to compensate officials adequately.
Ghana’s situation mirrors trends in other developing football markets where match officials seek recognition through improved compensation packages.
The outcome of these salary negotiations will likely influence the quality of officiating in the Ghana Premier League and could set precedents for other categories of football personnel seeking improved compensation.
As preparations for the 2025/26 season intensify, the resolution of this matter remains crucial for the smooth operation of Ghana’s premier football competition.
Story Written Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
