This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.
Four Ghanaian hockey officials delivered an impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup for Club Championship held in Zimbabwe, earning praise for their professionalism and consistency on the continental stage.
The officials Akwasi Acheampong, Blessing Azaglo, Ebenezer Darko Junior, and Aikins Opoku Danso were selected for this year’s championship, with two serving as umpires and two as table officials. Acheampong and Darko Junior made their second appearances at the tournament, while Azaglo and Danso marked their debut on the African stage.
Among the umpires, debutant Aikins Opoku Danso who is a Prison Sergeant officiated eight(8) matches across both the men’s and women’s divisions, while Ebenezer Darko Junior, on his second appearance, officiated nine(9) matches during the competition.
On the technical table, Blessing Azaglo made her first African appearance and officiated 12 matches including women’s 3/4 place match, while Akwasi Acheampong who is a Principal Advanced Emergency Medicial Technician (EMT), also on his second appearance, handled 13 matches, including semi-final fixtures and the men’s final.
Speaking to the media on arrival at the airport, Akwasi Acheampong expressed gratitude to the institutions that made the journey possible and reflected on the high standards of officiating at the tournament.
“First and foremost, we are very grateful to the Greater Accra Hockey and Hockey Umpires and Technical Officials Association (HUTOA) for selecting us, and with the support of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), we were able to represent the country. Once we step onto the field of play, we focus strictly on doing our job professionally,” he said.
“Officiating at this level was completely different from what we are used to back home. Players and teams clearly understood and respected the rules and regulations. The competition was technically demanding, and the experience was highly educational. With live television coverage, strict time management such as the 40-second rule, and well-organized technical operations, we learned a lot that we intend to bring back to improve officiating in Ghana. Our frequent appointments, including key matches like the semi-finals and finals, show that Ghanaian officials have a strong future at this level.”
Debutant umpire Aikins Opoku Danso also shared his excitement and optimism after his first continental assignment.
“I am very grateful to HUTOA for selecting me for this championship. The exposure, experience, and lessons from officiating at this level have been invaluable,” Danso said.
“However, as a country, we still need to improve in areas such as physicality, skills development, and officiating standards if we want to match other top hockey nations. Ghana has great potential, and I hope more officials will be given the opportunity to gain this kind of international exposure in the future.”
By; Victoria Kwofie
