Referee Joyce Obenewa Retires after 15 Years

Female Ghanaian referee Joyce Appiah Obenewa has announced her retirement from active refereeing after over a decade in the profession.

The astute referee communicated it in a letter to the FA after her years of useful service to Ghana and global 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,” a part of her letter cited by the FA said.

She sees her retirement as an opportunity for young ones nurturing the passion to take over the baton.

“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, she is prepared to be of use to the country whenever her wealth of knowledge and expertise is required.

“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.”

The General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo, in response noted her services would be duly tapped in shaping the game as he wished her well in her future endeavors.

‘‘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.”

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 was the first Ghanaian Female referee to attend the CAF Elite Referees’ Course held in Morocco in 2017.