“Technology Gap Affecting Ghanaian Referees”- RAG General Secretary Alex Atuahene
General Secretary of the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG), Alex Atuahene Anning, has lamented the lack of access to modern officiating technology for Ghanaian referees, stating that the absence of such tools often magnifies minor mistakes and creates major controversies in matches.
Anning’s comments come amid rising concerns over officiating standards in domestic football, with some clubs and supporters regularly blaming referees for contentious decisions during key fixtures.
Speaking during an interview on Sportsnite on Asempa FM, Anning emphasized that the absence of critical support systems such as VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and other modern officiating tools has placed immense pressure on referees operating in the Ghana Premier League and other local competitions.
“Ghanaian referees lack access to modern technology in officiating, which often turns minor mistakes into major issues,” he said.
While referees around the world are increasingly being supported by advanced technology to aid their decision-making, Anning noted that Ghana’s match officials are left to rely solely on their instincts and eyesight in real-time — a major disadvantage in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
The RAG General Secretary also stressed the importance of continuous training and capacity building to ensure that referees are not only well-informed about current rules and trends, but are also equipped with the tools necessary to execute their duties efficiently.
