BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken another step toward stabilising referee welfare and restoring integrity in domestic competitions, announcing the release of officiating fees covering Matchday 5 to Matchday 8 of the ongoing 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.
This latest payment brings the Association closer to clearing the financial backlog that has long been a concern for referees and match commissioners.
This development follows earlier payments made for Matchday 1 to Matchday 4, leaving only Matchday 9 and Matchday 10 outstanding for the current season.
The GFA, as part of its administrative model, processes officiating fees in sets of four matchdays to streamline financial accountability and ensure predictable disbursement schedules for referees.
The issue of delayed payments has lingered for years within Ghana football.
Historically, referees have expressed frustration over inconsistent remuneration, which many feared could expose officials to unethical influences or diminish morale.
The problem became more pronounced during parts of the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, when a combination of financial constraints and administrative restructuring caused backlogs that occasionally stretched across multiple matchdays.
Critics argued that such delays undermined the professionalism expected within elite competitions.
In its latest update, the GFA confirmed that plans are already in motion to settle the remaining balances for Matchday 9 and Matchday 10 in the coming weeks.
Beyond the current season, the Association says it has begun processing arrears owed from the 2024/25 campaign, signalling an intention to end the cycle of accumulated debt to match officials.
The GFA reiterated its commitment to supporting all stakeholders within the football ecosystem, emphasising that timely payment of match officials is essential for ensuring credibility, efficiency, and fair play across competitions.
According to the Association, it has “consistently met its obligations to clubs, officials, and all operational units,” and views the ongoing clearance of arrears as part of a broader effort to improve productivity and professionalism in Ghana football.
