Ghana’s astute Female FIFA referee, Ms. Joyce Appiah Obenewa, has called time on her illustrious career, spanning 15 years of dedicated service to Ghana and global Football.
Ms. Appiah Obenewa became a Center Referee in 2013 after serving as an Assistant Referee in the Division One and Two Leagues for four years.
While on GFA’s list for 11 years, the outstanding official refereed in WAFU and World Cup Youth Championship qualifiers along with several international club competitions for the past decade.
She has brought the curtain down on her long career, where she ran the rule as an official in the highest division of Ghanaian football.
‘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 concluded.
On his part, the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo, wished her well, assuring her that the Association will continue to engage her in different capacity 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
She was the first Ghanaian Female referee to attend the CAF Elite Referees’ Course held in Morocco in 2017.