Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has revealed that the much-anticipated Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is on the verge of being introduced into the Ghana Premier League. This significant move aims to tackle the persistent concerns surrounding officiating inconsistencies that have marred the league’s reputation.
By committing to the rollout of VAR, Okraku is not only keeping pace with international standards but also responding to a call for improvement in refereeing, a topic that has gained traction in footballing circles worldwide. VAR is now a staple in prestigious leagues and tournaments globally, marking a new era in officiating.
To ensure a successful implementation, the GFA is diligently exploring cost-effective VAR solutions that are specifically designed for the unique challenges faced by developing football nations. This initiative is in direct response to the recommendations made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 73rd FIFA Congress last year.
Speaking at a recent Meet the Press event in Sunyani, Okraku assured stakeholders that the integration of VAR is part of a broader strategy aimed at elevating the standards of refereeing in Ghana. “We are going to introduce VAR into our football. Whatever we need to do to bring VAR into the league, we will,” he affirmed passionately.
Notably, Ghana has already seen the implementation of VAR in high-stakes matches, yielding promising outcomes—most notably during the World Cup playoff against Nigeria at the Baba Yara Stadium, and in the CAF Confederation Cup knockout games involving Dreams FC last season.
