Referees in Ghana are the lowest paid in the world – Chairman of Referees Association of Ghana (RAG), George Siajah
George Siajah, the Chairman of the Referees Association in Ghana, revealed a sobering truth about the financial struggles faced by referees in the country.
Speaking with Tony Muntana on Extra Time Sports, Siajah emphasized that Ghanaian referees are the lowest-paid officials in the world, earning less than $100 per game. (GHC1,100)
This revelation sheds light on the challenges these officials face and raises questions about the sustainability of refereeing as a profession in Ghana and its impact on the development of football in Ghana.
The low remuneration not only affects the livelihood of referees but also poses a risk to the integrity of the game. When officials struggle to make ends meet, there may be increased vulnerability to external pressures, including match-fixing and corruption.
Siajah’s assertion highlights an urgent need for a reevaluation of how referees are compensated in Ghana. Ensuring fair wages could enhance the integrity of matches and bolster public confidence in the officiating process.
The RAG chairman is not merely lamenting the situation; he is calling for action. He urges stakeholders in Ghanaian football—club owners, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and government bodies—to come together to address this pressing issue. By increasing pay and providing better support systems for referees, the football community can improve the quality of officiating and, ultimately, the sport itself.
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