By Kwame Bediako
The Chairman of the Ghana FA Cup Committee, Wilson Arthur, has made a stark claim that Ghanaian clubs are using ‘juju’ or black magic against referees to gain advantages in domestic competitions.
Arthur made these remarks in the aftermath of several surprising outcomes in the Round of 16 matches, where top-tier teams like Hearts of Oak and Medeama were stunned by lower division sides.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Arthur stated, “Referees are always put under spell. The referees are worked on, the players and coaches are worked on spiritually.” He added, “I was asked to leave my seat while watching a match because I was told my team had been put under a spell. The moment I left my seat, we scored a goal.”
These allegations highlight a deeper issue of societal beliefs in superstition within Ghanaian football, where some teams reportedly turn to ‘juju’ to gain an edge.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been actively promoting ethical conduct and ensuring the integrity of the game. Arthur’s statement reflects broader efforts to address these beliefs and foster a culture of fairness and sportsmanship.
Despite the allegations, the GFA has emphasised the importance of referees, players, and teams adhering to modern standards of professionalism.
The association’s stance suggests that such practices are not widely accepted or supported and they remain committed to upholding the integrity of Ghanaian football.
