One of Ghana’s distinguished female FIFA referees, Ms. Joyce Appiah Obenewa, has retired.
She is retiring after 15 years of dedicated and selfless service to Ghana and global football.
Ms. Appiah Obenewa became a centre referee in 2013 after serving as an assistant referee in the Division One and Two Leagues for four years.
She was the first Ghanaian female referee to attend the CAF Elite Referees’ Course held in Morocco in 2017.
She also refereed in WAFU and World Cup Youth Championship qualifiers along with several international club competitions for the past decade and was also on the GFA’s list for 11 years.
‘I humbly write to inform you and also serve a formal notice of my retirement from my position as a FIFA referee, effective date August 1, 2024. I appreciate the opportunities to be part of and also to serve the Ghana Football Association,” she said in a letter announcing her retirement to the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association.
“Again I would like to acknowledge the chances I have had to officiate games both internationally and locally ever since I attained the FIFA Badge from 2014 to date. After considering so many factors, I have realized it is time for me to step down from my role as a FIFA referee to make room for the younger ones to come through the ranks.
“That notwithstanding, I will be available and prepared to offer my expertise and provide any other services required to assist the Ghana Football Association upon request. On this note I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported me in diverse ways to make my vision comes into reality. Thank you and God bless you for the opportunity to work with you and to serve as a FIFA referee.” she said.
The Ghana Football Association’s General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, wished her well and assured her that the association will continue to engage her in various roles to help groom the younger generation.
‘‘You have been an inspiration and we are grateful for all the great service over the years. The FA will continue to engage and avenues would be made available to enable your continuous contribution to the development of the next generation of Women’s Referees in the country and Africa.” he said
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
