GFA Begins Northern Sector Referees’ Assessment Ahead of 2026/27 Season
Referees from Ghana’s Northern Sector have begun their mandatory assessment programme ahead of the 2026/27 football season, with officials taking part in a written examination in Techiman as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) moves to ensure only fully qualified match officials are appointed for the new campaign.
The assessment brought together referees from the Northern, Upper East, Upper West and Bono Regions, who are undergoing a rigorous evaluation process as part of the GFA’s referee certification and development framework.
The written test, which focuses on the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game, represents the first phase of the assessment programme. It is designed to measure referees’ understanding, interpretation and application of football’s laws in match situations.
Officials will now proceed to fitness evaluations and technical assessments, with only those who meet the required standards receiving clearance to officiate in GFA-sanctioned competitions during the 2026/27 season.
The exercise forms part of the GFA’s wider commitment to improving refereeing standards through continuous education, performance monitoring and capacity-building programmes supported by FIFA and CAF.
With modern football demanding greater levels of accuracy, consistency and physical preparedness from match officials, the assessments aim to ensure referees are equipped with the technical knowledge and fitness levels required to manage matches at the highest level.
The Techiman exercise is one of several nationwide assessments being conducted by the GFA Referees Department as it builds a pool of competent officials ahead of the upcoming football calendar.
