Ghanaian Female FIFA referee, Ms. Joyce Appiah Obenewa, has officially retired from officiating.
Obenewaa who was the first Ghanaian Female referee to attend the CAF Elite Referees' Course held in Morocco in 2017 called time on her illustrious career, spanning 15 years of dedicated service to Ghana and global Football as she notified the GFA.
The astute umpire 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, she refereed in WAFU and World Cup Youth Championship qualifiers along with several international club competitions for the past decade.
‘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 come into reality. Thank you and God bless you for the opportunity to work with you and to serve as a FIFA referee." she concluded.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo has wished her well.
‘‘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." Addo said.
By: Pascal Amoah
