GFA president Kurt Okraku praises 'catch them young refereeing' as his best gift to Ghana football

Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has hailed the "Catch Them Young Refereeing" policy as "perhaps one of the best gifts" he has given to the nation's football since taking office, emphasising the need for continued investment in the grassroots officiating programme.

In an interview, Okraku reflected on the initiative he launched five years ago, which focuses on identifying, educating, and training young talents between the ages of 13 and 16 to prepare them for future roles as match officials.

"I knew what it would give to Ghana football," Okraku stated, underscoring his long-term vision for the programme.

The GFA president acknowledged the public's focus on refereeing errors but balanced this by highlighting the dedication of young officials. "Referees sometimes [have] bad calls. I know about referees having good calls. I know about the unquenchable desire of the younger folks to excel," he said.

Okraku stressed that sustained support is crucial for the programme's success. "I think that there’s a need for more investment in this strategy. We need to find the resources to support the kids, especially in training," he explained, adding that enhanced training opportunities are also vital for experienced referees to maintain high standards.

The GFA views the development and recognition of these young referees as essential for ensuring the long-term growth and excellence of officiating in Ghana, aiming to build a robust pipeline of talent for the future.

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