Gabriel Atseku becomes first Ghana’s Accredited Badminton Umpire

The President of Ghana Badminton Association (GBA), Evans Yeboah, has commended a member of the association, Gabriel Atseku, for receiving a Badge Certificate as an accredited African Badminton Umpire— the first for a Ghanaian in six decades.

In a statement, Mr Yeboah noted that the umpire's achievement was a source of pride for the badminton family and an encouragement to others as they climbed the ladder in pursuit of certification and officiating at the world level.

He revealed that 84 more technical officials were at various levels of national accreditation while also being prepared for the start of the maiden National Badminton Premier League in July and for the African Games in Ghana next year.

“Our development in technical capacity in badminton is leaping. To become the first Ghanaian to achieve this feat in the last six decades gives us joy and growth. It is an enviable achievement worthy of emulation by all persons looking to be in badminton," he said.

Since 2017, the sport's governing body has introduced a technical officiating strategy which has grown to 84 technical officials in the national accreditation and certification pathway.

As part of its 2027 Strategic Mission Plan, the GBA plans to train, develop and assess umpires to the highest national level for their top national and international tournaments. Umpires at a sufficient level and experience are then assessed and promoted to become accredited or certificated at the continental level and finally at the world level.