GFA Boss Kurt Okraku Promises Prompt Payment of Referee Allowances Following CRAMCOG Concerns
Okraku Assures Referees on Unpaid Allowances
- President Kurt Okraku has addressed the growing concerns regarding delayed payments to match officials
- His assurances come in response to reports of increasing discontent among referees over outstanding allowance
- President Okraku dismissed reports suggesting a potential boycott by referees
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has addressed the growing concerns regarding delayed payments to match officials, assuring the football fraternity that the GFA is actively working to resolve the issue.
His assurances come in response to reports of increasing discontent among referees over outstanding allowances, a situation that has raised questions about the integrity of the current Ghana Premier League season.
The issue gained prominence following a statement issued by CRAMCOG, the Concerned Referees and Match Commissioners of Ghana, revealing a potential boycott of the remainder of the 2024/25 league by its members due to a significant 21-week delay in receiving their due payments.
CRAMCOG voiced their deep frustration with the treatment of referees, emphasizing the fundamental principle that fairness should extend to the very officials responsible for upholding the rules of the game.
Kurt Okraku acknowledged the GFA’s indebtedness to the referees but firmly stated that the association is making strenuous efforts to rectify the situation. He attributed the financial challenges to delays in receiving funds from their broadcast partner, StarTimes, which has subsequently affected the GFA’s cash flow. However, he reiterated the GFA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all referees are paid their allowances promptly.
Furthermore, President Okraku dismissed reports suggesting a potential boycott by referees, emphasizing the GFA’s positive and trustworthy relationship with match officials. “Reject the report of a pullout. The FA has not shown bad faith towards referees. If there are challenges, we fix them together,” he affirmed.
As the Ghana Premier League season progresses into the weekend, with a highly anticipated clash between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko scheduled in Accra, the football community will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding the payment of referee allowances and its potential impact on the remainder of the league. For football enthusiasts in Kumasi and across the nation, the fair treatment of match officials is crucial for maintaining the credibility and smooth conduct of the national league.
