Poor refereeing is 'destroying' Ghana football, says President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called for improvements in refereeing standards in Ghana, warning that poor officiating is eroding public confidence in the domestic game and driving fans away from stadiums.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, as Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC, MTN FA Cup holders Nations FC and Ampem Darkoa Ladies paid a courtesy call ahead of their continental campaigns, Mahama said many supporters believe some league matches are decided before kick-off.

"Unfortunately, refereeing is one of the things destroying our football," the President said.

"Sometimes people believe the matches are decided before they are even played, and that makes the league less competitive."

Mahama urged the Ghana Referees Association and the Ghana Football Association to work together to restore credibility to officiating.

"I want the Ghana Referees Association and the Football Association to work together to improve refereeing standards," he said.

"Many spectators have stopped attending matches because they believe the outcomes are predetermined. That is reducing attendance and gate proceeds."

The President insisted that a competitive domestic league depends on matches being decided fairly.

"It is in our interest to make the league competitive. Every match must be fairly officiated so that whoever wins does so on merit. That is the only way to restore confidence in our football."

Mahama also announced financial support for the three clubs as they prepare to represent Ghana in CAF competitions.

Medeama received GH¢342,000 (US$30,000), Nations FC were given GH¢228,000 (US$20,000), while Ampem Darkoa Ladies received GH¢114,000 (US$10,000).

Beyond refereeing, the President urged the GFA to strengthen youth development by reviving the Colts League, which he said had been instrumental in producing talented footballers.

"We used to have a very good Colts League. I do not know what happened to it," he said.

"I hear it has been renamed grassroots football, but we all knew it as Colts. So, call it the Colts League, and let us all help to sponsor it."

Mahama also criticised the early transfer of promising players abroad, arguing that it weakens the Ghana Premier League.

"We must find a way to keep our talented players a little longer, give them opportunities in the national team, allow them to gain international experience, and then let them move abroad after they have matured," he said.

He ended by urging Medeama, Nations FC and Ampem Darkoa Ladies to help restore Ghana's reputation in African club football.

"Go and recapture the glory days of Ghanaian football," he said.

"I want to travel abroad in the future, say I am from Ghana, and hear people proudly mention the names of our clubs once again."