Division One League side Hohoe United F.C. has petitioned the Referee’s Appointment Committee to withdraw its appointment of referee Emmanuel Asare Darko as the center referee for their week 24 fixture against Golden Kicks F.C.
Anchored on three points, the petitioned which was sent on Thursday April 17, 2025, raises questions about potential conflict of interest, third party interference and potential to frustrate fair play, transparency and the integrity of the sport.
Hohoe United currently lead Zone Three with 51 points, three more than Port City Football Club and seven more than Okwawu United, their nearest rivals.
In a statement signed by Tom Amewu Duglu, the club, among many things suggested that referee Darko’s appointment may benefit its rivals, Okwawu United and Port City Football Club.
”In the first place, we seek to highlight the fact that Mr. Darko resides in the Eastern Region of Ghana just like the two closest clubs currently competing for the top position of the league log which we occupy; namely Okwawu United F.C. and Port City Football Club.”
The statement further suggested that Emmanuel Asare Darko’s ties to the region, may his impair his capacity to be unbiased, calling his integrity into question.
”The zonal structure of the Division One League means support for the teams is largely region based. The likelihood that a resident of the region can be a fan of one of these two clubs or any other club in the region cannot be ruled out. We therefore strongly object to the appointment of a referee from the Eastern Region to preside over a game whose outcome is of interest to Okwawu United and Port City Football Club, two clubs from the Eastern Region.”
The club has also noted with concern, the heightened interest of third parties in its affairs. According to the club, Mr. Francis Ofori and, a known official of Port City F.C, was at the clubs recent match against Attram de Visser, along with a section of Port City supporters.
While bringing into sharp focus, the nature of the relationship between referee Emmanuel Asare Darko and the Eastern Regional Football Association, the statement also highlighted a potential conflict of interest; the governing body’s perceived intentions and its duty to be fair and just.
”Mr. Darko’s connection to the Eastern Regional Football Association and the perceived interest of the regional football body in the welfare of both clubs [Okwawu United and Port City F.C.] had meant appointing him to superintend over a game involving a competitor of these clubs flies in the face of fair play, transparency and integrity of the sport.”
Hohoe United have therefore asked the Referee’s Appointment Committee to rescind its appointment of Emmanuel Asare Darko for their week 24 encounter against Golden Kicks F.C.
JoySports checks indicate that although the petition was sent shortly after the appointment committee announced Asare Darko’s selection, the GFA is yet to respond to their petition.
The match is scheduled to be played on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Tuba Astro Turf.
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