The Chairman of the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG), George Saijah, has revealed that referees officiating in the Ghana Premier League are being paid less than $100 per match — a figure he describes as inadequate and disrespectful to the role referees play in the country’s top-tier football.
In a public statement, Mr. Saijah did not hold back his frustration over what he termed “an unacceptable situation” that has persisted for far too long.
“Ghana Premier League referees are paid less than $100 per match,” he stated. “This is the highest level of football in the country, yet we continue to treat our officials like afterthoughts. How do we expect quality officiating when the basic needs and welfare of referees are not met?”
His comments add to a growing list of grievances raised by the RAG in recent months, which include claims of intimidation, poor working conditions, and a lack of support from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Saijah argued that while clubs, players, and administrators often receive financial support and incentives, the same cannot be said for referees, who face immense pressure on the pitch with minimal financial reward. He stressed that the low pay does not reflect the level of professionalism expected of match officials in one of Africa’s most competitive football leagues.
“Referees spend time preparing, traveling, and risking their lives on and off the field, yet they earn less than a casual worker on match day. It’s demoralizing,” Saijah said.
The issue of referee remuneration has long been a sensitive topic in Ghanaian football. Some stakeholders argue that the financial constraints of local clubs and the league itself make it difficult to raise pay levels. However, Saijah believes the GFA must prioritize investment in officiating if it hopes to improve match quality and restore credibility to the game.
There has been no official response from the GFA as of the time of this report, but the latest revelations are expected to increase pressure on the football body to review its policies around referee welfare and compensation.
With referees at the center of every matchday drama, their treatment could very well determine the trajectory of Ghana’s football development.
