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GAG executives must unite and work (II)
The new arrangement of two-four year terms only solved part of the problems. Some former executive members who had already been in office for a considerable length of time, having practically served in all the important executive positions as general secretary, vice chairman and chairman, had succeeded in developing a very effective succession plan for their friends and family members. And so for many years, they succeeded in remote controlling the management of the affairs of the Referees Association of Ghana (RAG).
There was very little we could do except to stand-by and grumble. But fortunately FATE and TIME have recently seen OFF those influences and for some three years now, the association’s elections and policies have returned to civility and fairness.
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However, it has become clear that the long years of living under dictatorship and self-interest have not prepared a proper leadership for the association. For almost three years now the association has had a new set of executive members.
As individuals all the eight members of the RAG Executive Council are people with good records and decent report. They all appear well qualified for the job. But unfortunately, there are several reports of disunity and what appears to be a feeling of self-importance among them. For whatever reason, they have not been able to act together and in concert.
Although there have been long-standing rules and guidelines for the selection and placement of referees on the various league lists, favouritism, based on regional affiliation, has affected the judgement of some of the executive committee members. And this is where the honesty and professionalism of the national officers of the RAG should come into play. Selection of referees for the various lists should be a business of confidentiality. But some executive officers take it upon themselves to, as it were, promote their own selfish interests.
About 15 potential referees are always invited for FIFA medical physical fitness tests prior to their names being submitted to FIFA. This exercise should be left to the GFA, CAF and FIFA, but some RAG executive members elect themselves to promote their own favourites. Recently, one such potential referee started celebrating and jubilating before the results were transmitted to the GFA. The names arrived without his. This nearly resulted in a big problem.
My advice to the present RAG executive is that some of us fought very hard and got bruised in fighting to get the present free era for the RAG. They should work hard to maintain the peace and unity that is existing in the affairs of the association. The RAG chairman, by the edits of the association’s constitution, is an executive chairman. He should be regarded and respected as such.
However, the chairman should also acknowledge the fact that the seven others are matured and technically qualified members of his executive committee. They should all focus on issues before them and not serve their interests. They are in charge of the growth and development of all referees from Wa to Akatsi and from Bolga to Tema.
All referees pay annual subscription fees, training fees and benevolent funds. The Executive members should, therefore, unite and work hard for the common interest of all.
