The Vice-President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mark Addo, has urged Ghanaian referees to aspire to the highest levels of global officiating following the awarding of FIFA badges to 23 match officials for the 2026 season.
The badges were officially presented at a ceremony held at the GFA headquarters on Tuesday, January 20.
Mr. Addo congratulated the officials on their achievement and challenged them to uphold the responsibilities that come with FIFA recognition.
“I want to congratulate all of you for how far you’ve come and urge you to keep your heads high. There is a lot of expectation on you, and you must continue to work hard to maintain the standards required,” he said.
He also encouraged the referees to pursue excellence beyond domestic competitions, highlighting the importance of professionalism, integrity, and perception on the international stage.
“Aspire for greatness and aim to become world-class referees. How you are perceived when your name comes up matters. Impartiality, fairness, and top-class performance must always guide your work.
“The Football Association will continue to invest in your craft and provide the necessary support to help you perform at the highest level. You are the soul and heart of the game,” he added.
The selected officials will represent Ghana internationally throughout 2026, with continued FIFA recognition dependent on their performance and adherence to global standards.
