Referees Manager of the Ghana Football Association, Alexander Kotey, has outlined an ambitious vision to modernise officiating in the country, with the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system high on his agenda.
Kotey, who has overseen refereeing development for the past five years, believes the future of match officiating lies firmly in technology. In an interview with GFA Media, he stressed that aligning Ghana with global standards requires embracing innovations that enhance accuracy and credibility in decision-making.
“Refereeing in modern football is heavily driven by technology. Over the next five years, I want to ensure the implementation of VAR in our game. It is one key thing on my heart,” Kotey said.
His comments come amid ongoing debate about officiating standards in domestic competitions such as the Ghana Premier League and the Division One League, where contentious calls have repeatedly sparked criticism from supporters and club officials.
The push for technological support has grown louder in recent seasons as stakeholders demand greater transparency and consistency.
GFA President Kurt Okraku has also acknowledged concerns surrounding refereeing performances and assured that reforms are being considered to strengthen the system.
Beyond introducing VAR, Kotey has set his sights even higher. He expressed hope that Ghana will one day produce a referee capable of handling the final of the FIFA World Cup, a feat that would represent a landmark moment for the nation’s officiating fraternity.
For Kotey, blending technology with continuous training and development could be the catalyst needed to elevate Ghanaian refereeing to the global stage.