The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says it has intensified its efforts to tackle match-fixing and improve refereeing standards following concerns raised by President John Dramani Mahama over the state of Ghanaian football.

President Mahama last Tuesday expressed strong concerns about poor officiating and alleged match manipulation in the domestic game when Medeama SC, Nations FC and Ampem Darkoa Ladies visited him at the Jubilee House ahead of their respective CAF campaigns.

The President warned that perceptions of manipulated matches are damaging the credibility of Ghana football and driving supporters away from stadiums.

“Unfortunately, refereeing is one of the things that is destroying our football. The matches are played before they are played,” Mahama said.

He noted that some supporters believe certain Ghana Premier League matches are decided before kick-off through what is commonly referred to as “ways and means” — a phrase often associated with attempts to influence referees.

According to Mahama, the growing perception of unfair officiating is contributing to declining attendances and, consequently, reduced gate revenues for clubs.

GFA Lists Measures Against Match-Fixing

Responding to the President’s concerns, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the association has been working for several years to address challenges surrounding refereeing and match manipulation.

Speaking on Luv FM in Kumasi, Asante Twum welcomed the President’s interest in the domestic game and said several measures had already been introduced.

“It’s good to have a President who is following the game,” Asante Twum said.

“Some of the issues he raised, we have worked a lot in the last five or six years to find solutions.”

Among the measures highlighted by the GFA are a transport arrangement with the State Transport Company (STC) for referees, improved allowances, insurance coverage, free football boots and uniforms for match officials.

The association has also introduced FIFA’s referee assessment system as part of efforts to monitor and evaluate officials more effectively.

Asante Twum further stated that clubs found guilty of match-fixing have faced sanctions, including bans, as the GFA seeks to protect the integrity of domestic competitions.

Referees Undergo Refresher Training

The latest intervention comes as Premier League referees recently underwent a three-day refresher programme at the GFA’s Technical Centre in Prampram.

The training formed part of efforts to improve officiating standards and ensure match officials are better prepared for the demands of the domestic season.

However, Asante Twum acknowledged that match-fixing remains a complex global problem and cannot be eliminated entirely by a single football association.

He stressed the need for continued cooperation among football authorities, clubs, referees and other stakeholders to address the issue.

Mahama Supports Ghanaian Clubs

President Mahama has also provided financial assistance to Ghanaian clubs preparing for continental competition.

Medeama SC received GH¢342,000, while Nations FC were given GH¢228,000 to support their CAF campaigns.

Ampem Darkoa Ladies received GH¢114,000 as they prepare to represent Ghana in continental competition.

The financial support, coupled with the President’s concerns over refereeing and match manipulation, has placed renewed focus on the need to restore confidence in Ghana’s domestic game.

With the GFA insisting that significant steps have already been taken, the challenge now is to ensure those measures translate into greater transparency, stronger officiating and renewed confidence among supporters.

For Ghana football, rebuilding trust could prove just as important as improving performances on the pitch.