Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has initiated steps to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into Ghana’s football competitions, a significant move aimed at enhancing refereeing quality and ensuring fair play across the league.
This development follows a recent two-day meeting between the GFA and a delegation from FIFA’s VAR Team, who visited Ghana to discuss the practicalities and requirements of implementing the advanced technology.
The FIFA delegation, comprising VAR experts Inokuchi Takaaki and Michael Bailey, met with GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, and other senior executives to outline the adoption process.
During the meeting, Mr Takaaki, representing FIFA’s Technology Unit, gave an in-depth overview of the International Assistance and Approval Programme (IAAP), which guides the integration of VAR technology within national football associations.
He detailed key procedural steps that Ghana would need to undertake, including administrative requirements, comprehensive training for referees and officials, system approvals, and continuous monitoring.
Mr Bailey, who has experience with VAR implementation in various countries, offered insights into both the benefits and challenges Ghana might encounter. He underscored the importance of proactive planning and clear communication with stakeholders to ease the transition, noting that effective communication is vital to maintaining public trust in the VAR process.
“VAR implementation is highly adaptable to different environments and competition levels,” Mr Bailey explained, adding that each country faces unique challenges based on its local football culture and infrastructure.
He encouraged the GFA to address potential “gap areas” early on to ensure a smooth rollout, emphasizing that a tailored approach could mitigate many of the common obstacles associated with introducing the technology.
The FIFA VAR Team also emphasized the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in the process. They recommended that the GFA engage referees, match commissioners, media outlets, fan groups, and support teams from the start to ensure that all parties understand the technology and its impact on the game.
On the domestic front, Mr. Alex Kotey, Ghana’s VAR Team Lead, updated attendees on Ghana’s progress in preparing for the technology. Kotey highlighted ongoing discussions with potential VAR service providers and infrastructure evaluations to ensure Ghanaian stadiums are equipped for VAR use.
He noted that Ghana is committed to meeting the FIFA standards required for certification, positioning the country to join other African nations that have already adopted the technology.
The GFA expressed its determination to expedite the implementation of VAR technology as part of a broader commitment to enhance the integrity and quality of officiating in Ghanaian football. The Association stated that it views VAR as a valuable tool in improving decision-making accuracy and minimizing controversies that may arise from officiating errors.
“This initiative is a major step forward in our pursuit of excellence in Ghanaian football,” said GFA President Simeon-Okraku. “Our goal is to ensure that our referees have access to the best tools available and that fans, players, and officials can trust the fairness of the game.”
The adoption of VAR technology represents a transformative shift for Ghana’s football competitions, with expectations that it will boost confidence in officiating standards and improve the game experience for both players and fans.
With the support of FIFA’s VAR Team, the GFA aims to complete the necessary steps swiftly, allowing Ghanaian football to benefit from one of the most impactful innovations in modern sports refereeing.
