President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has acknowledged that the GFA owes match officials but reassured that efforts are underway to resolve the payment issue.
This follows a warning from the Concerned Referees and Match Commissioners of Ghana (CRAMCOG) that they might boycott the remainder of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season due to outstanding allowances.
In a statement, CRAMCOG expressed frustration over the non-payment of referees for the past 21 weeks and highlighted their dissatisfaction with the situation.
Responding to the claims, Okraku, who has also recently assumed the position of CAF Second Vice President, admitted to the debt but emphasized that the GFA is actively working to address the issue.
“We owe referees, but we’re working around the clock to fix it. When I’m done and gone, I want to be remembered for honesty. We’ve faced challenges due to unpaid funds from our broadcast partner, StarTimes, which has affected our cash flow. But we’re committed to ensuring referees are paid,” Okraku told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
Okraku also dismissed reports of a potential boycott, stressing that the GFA is committed to maintaining a positive relationship with the 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. We acknowledge the debt and assure the officials that they will be paid,” he added.
Meanwhile, Matchday 30 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League will proceed as scheduled this weekend at various stadiums.