Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President Mark Addo has congratulated the 23 Ghanaian referees officially awarded FIFA badges for the 2026 football season, urging them to serve as exemplary ambassadors of Ghanaian football.

“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 work hard to maintain the standards required,” Mr. Addo said.

He encouraged the referees to adopt a global perspective in their work, emphasising fairness, impartiality, and strict adherence to the laws of the game.

He further assured the referees of the GFA’s continued support to enhance their performance and professional growth.

“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 support needed to perform at the highest level. You are the soul and heart of the game,” he added.

The badge presentation ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the GFA Headquarters in Accra.

GFA Referees Committee Chairperson Christine Enyonam Zigah echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the responsibility that comes with wearing a FIFA badge.

“You have gone through a rigorous selection process, and you must justify the confidence reposed in you by FIFA. You have a duty to maintain the highest standards both at home and abroad. I wish you all the very best,” she said.

FIFA badges are awarded annually to the top-ranked referees from each member association, based on performance evaluations from the previous year and successful completion of FIFA-mandated fitness and technical assessments. In Ghana, referees are first assessed by the GFA’s Classification and Assessment Committee before nominations are submitted to FIFA. The world governing body retains the right to reject any nominee who does not meet its stringent medical, fitness, and performance criteria.

The FIFA badge, which remains the property of FIFA, allows officials to officiate international matches from January to December 2026. Continued inclusion in future years depends strictly on performance and compliance with FIFA regulations.

The Ghanaian contingent includes 10 centre referees, 10 assistant referees, one futsal referee, one beach soccer referee, and one video assistant referee (VAR), reflecting the country’s expanding presence across multiple football disciplines.

Leading the list is veteran referee Daniel Nii Laryea, who has been recognized both as a centre referee and a video assistant referee, highlighting his consistency and esteemed standing in African and global officiating.

The roster also features newcomer assistant referee Richard Kwaku, while Portia Oppong becomes Ghana’s first FIFA-approved beach soccer referee, making history on the international stage.

The ceremony was attended by GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, members of the Referees Appointment Committee, including W. Okine, and Head of Referees Alex Kotey, all of whom participated in presenting the badges to the officials.