Adongo Angelous Akurugu, a 17-year-old Ghanaian referee, made history on Saturday by officially becoming the youngest ever referee to officiate a Ghan
Adongo Angelous Akurugu, a 17-year-old Ghanaian referee, made history on Saturday by officially becoming the youngest ever referee to officiate a Ghana Premier League match.
A student from Navrongo Senior High School was appointed to officiate the Ghana Premier League Matchday 5 clash between Nations FC and Asante Kotoko on October 11, 2025, at Abrankese in the Ashanti Region.
His selection was part of the Ghana Football Association’s “Catch Them Young Refereeing Initiative,” which aims to nurture young officiating talent across the country.
The youngster handled the Premier League clash without any controversy, winning the confidence and heart of pundits and fans who had earlier criticised his selection for the Ashanti Derby.
Akurugu’s journey in officiating
Akurugu’s rise to prominence began earlier in the year when he impressed at the CAF African Schools Football Championship final between Tanzania and Senegal, held at the University of Ghana Stadium.
His calm demeanour, professionalism, and fairness during the match earned him widespread praise from officials and spectators alike across Africa.
His achievements sparked national pride and inspired many young aspiring referees.
The Ghana Football Association has lauded his progress and reaffirmed its commitment to developing youth talent in officiating.
Akurugu’s journey reflects the potential of investing in grassroots development and the importance of creating pathways for young people to excel in sports beyond playing.
As he continues to grow in his role, many believe he could become a prominent figure in Africa and global football officiating and expect him to be officiating major competitions organised by CAF and FIFA soon.
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