RAG Chairman Appeals to President Mahama Over Unpaid Referees’ Allowances
The National Chairman of the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG), George Saijah, has made a passionate appeal to President John Mahama to intervene in resolving the long-standing issue of unpaid allowances owed to referees across the country.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Fire for Fire, Saijah disclosed that the association had already petitioned the President, who assured them of looking into the matter, but stressed that the process needs to be expedited.
“I’m pleading with the President of Ghana, John Mahama, we have sent to him. He responded that he will look at it and get back to us but he should fast track it for us,” Saijah said.
According to him, the delay has left referees frustrated, with many constantly seeking answers from the leadership of the association. He further revealed that some retired referees are also waiting for their payments, worsening their financial struggles.
“The referees always ask me about the money. Some referees are on retirement and they are expecting their money. Why should this happen? What wrong have we committed?” he lamented.
Saijah also recalled assurances given during the recent Congress of the Ghana Football Association, noting that while certain stakeholders had received their promised allocations, referees were still left out.
“We were at the recent Congress when all the promises were made. Some have received theirs, the referees haven’t received theirs,” he added.
The RAG Chairman’s appeal comes at a time when concerns about the welfare of referees in Ghana continue to mount, with fears that such neglect could impact the quality of officiating in the ongoing football season.
