Acting Chairman of the Referees Association of Ghana, Joe Debrah says the untimely death of Referee Emmanuel Ofei is a major blow to the sporting fraternity in the country.
The young referee who officiated the Match day 19 game between Ashanti Gold and Inter Allies was killed in a motor accident after sustaining injuries at Adukrom in the Eastern Region on Tuesday.
Joe Debrah in an interview with footy-ghana.com says a life that could help in the development of sports has been cut short.
“The referee, being an upcoming young premier league referee, was doing all he could so that he will be able to give the nation the best so on that fateful day, he was just jogging on the road side so that he will keep fit to officiate league games and this untimely death occurred”.
He added: “It is very disheartening to see a young man full of vigour, life to die at this time of the season when we need the youth of this nature, 29 years, who respects everybody”.
Joe Debrah recounted the last moments he shared with him (Emmanuel Ofei) before his demise.
“I chanced to be at Suhum Cocoa College where Eastern region had their course last week and then I met this guy, we talked, we took pictures and did a lot of things together. I left Sunday to Kumasi for the Kotoko and Hearts game only be to be called on Tuesday evening that he has passed on. It’s very unfortunate but God knows best” [sic].
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association in a statement has expressed its profound regret for the death of Referee Emmanuel Ofei.
