The young referees
GHANA’S INVOLVEMENT in the recent CAF African Schools Football Championship extended beyond the pitch, as four young referees from the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) “Catch Them Young Referees” initiative made notable contributions to officiating duties.
Adongo Angelous Akurugu and Edmund Ofoe Tetteh officiated in the boys’ matches, while Sophia Azumah and Cynthia Asandem handled games in the girls’ competition. Among their standout roles, Akurugu took charge of the boys’ final between Senegal and Tanzania, and Azumah served as Assistant Referee 1 in the third-place match between Morocco and South Africa.
The GFA’s “Catch Them Young Refereeing” policy, introduced in 2020, targets the identification and development of talented referees aged 13 to 16. The programme equips them with the skills and values required for a successful refereeing career.
Since its inception, the initiative has trained over 150 young referees across Ghana. Many have gone on to officiate in national competitions, including the Women’s Division One League playoffs, regional Colts and Division Two and Three Leagues, the Division One League Super Cup, and the MTN FA Cup.
Adding to Ghana’s technical presence, retired referee Augustina Fugah played a key role as a fitness instructor during the championship, further demonstrating Ghana’s growing footprint in African football development.
BY Wletsu Ransford