The President of the Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, officially opened the WAFU B Training Workshop for Young Referees at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence on Saturday, March 21, 2026, marking a significant step in the development of refereeing across the West African sub-region.

The workshop, which runs through to Wednesday, March 25, 2026, brings together a new generation of promising referees for an intensive programme combining both theoretical and practical training sessions. Designed to equip participants with the knowledge, discipline and technical expertise required at the highest level, the initiative underscores WAFU B’s commitment to building capacity in officiating.

In his opening address, President Simeon-Okraku urged participants to fully embrace the opportunity by making the most of every session, actively engaging with instructors, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism both on and off the pitch.

The programme features a comprehensive curriculum covering modern refereeing fundamentals, physical demands of officiating, technical analysis and full immersion on-field practice. Participants will also benefit from interactive modules designed to encourage open discussions on some of the most complex and evolving scenarios in modern football.

Notably, some of Ghana’s promising “Catch Them Young” referees are taking part in the workshop, gaining invaluable exposure that is expected to prepare them for progression to elite levels of officiating.

The training will further include in-depth exchange sessions with Adama Guira, Men’s Football Manager of WAFU B, and Precious Dede, Women’s Football Manager of WAFU B, offering participants unique insights from experienced figures within the game.

The opening ceremony was graced by Philippe Tchere, Executive Director of WAFU B and Yeo Songuifolo, Chairman of the WAFU B Referees Committee.