In a major development, the Concerned Referees and Match Commissioners of Ghana (CRAMCOG) have officially informed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) of their decision to withdraw officiating services for the remainder of the 2024/2025 Ghana Premier League season.
Their letter, dated April 27, 2025, cites a concerning 21-week delay in the payment of allowances, reflecting growing frustrations over the neglect of match officials’ welfare and the risks it poses to the integrity of Ghanaian football.
CRAMCOG’s message is unmistakable: fairness must extend to those who uphold the rules of the game, not just to the players on the field.
By refusing to continue under these conditions, CRAMCOG stresses that respect for referees and commissioners is fundamental to preserving the sport’s integrity.
They warn that when officials are left unpaid, they become susceptible to external influences, which could compromise the credibility of the league.
This move is not impulsive; rather, it is the result of prolonged professionalism despite ongoing disregard.
Referencing the old saying, “An empty sack cannot stand upright,” CRAMCOG powerfully illustrates the untenable burden they have endured.
Their decision should not be seen as rebellion, but as an urgent appeal for change.
For Ghanaian football to safeguard its integrity and future, it must prioritise valuing and respecting every stakeholder, especially those entrusted with enforcing the game’s laws.
The gravity of this situation calls for immediate action to prevent lasting damage to the league’s reputation.
The GFA now faces a crucial test: to act swiftly and prove that success in Ghanaian football will never come at the cost of fairness and decency.
Below is the letter:
