The Referees Department of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the dates and venues for the 2026 Annual National Written and Fitness Tests for referees and assistant referees across the country.
The exercise, which is an important part of preparations for the upcoming football season, will be conducted in two sectors to allow match officials from different parts of Ghana to participate effectively.
Referees and assistant referees from the Northern Sector will begin their assessment at the Techiman Youth Resource Centre from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
The programme is expected to bring together officials from the northern regions as they compete to maintain their qualification for national football assignments.
The Southern Sector assessment will follow from August 7 to 9, 2026, at the Koforidua Sports Stadium. Referees and assistant referees from the southern regions will gather at the venue to undergo the same evaluation process.
The annual tests are compulsory for all referees and assistant referees and form part of the Referees Department’s efforts to ensure that only qualified and prepared officials handle matches during the football season.
The written examination will focus on the officials’ knowledge and understanding of the Laws of the Game. Referees will be assessed on their ability to interpret and apply football regulations correctly during matches.
The fitness test, on the other hand, will measure the physical readiness of referees, ensuring they can meet the demands of modern football, where speed, endurance, and quick decision-making are essential.
The Referees Department believes the assessment will help improve officiating standards in Ghana by identifying areas that require improvement and ensuring match officials remain at the required level.
The annual exercise is also part of the GFA’s broader commitment to strengthening football development in the country through improved officiating.
Officials who pass the assessments will be considered ready to take charge of matches across different levels of Ghana football, including domestic league competitions and other national football events.
