Meet 13-year-old Ghanaian female referee Jessica Gandhi a JHS 2 student at New Generation School Complex inside Prestea modern city in the Western region of Ghana who handled Abesewa Gyaman FC U13 Colt division 3-1 win over Akonsia Misty FC in the 2023/24 Amenfi municipal football association Colt divisions first game at Abesewa Gyaman town.
Recently, Jessica caught the attention of spectators and officials alike when she officiated the thrilling encounter between Abesewa Gyaman FC and Akonsia Misty FC in the 2023/24 Amenfi Municipal Football Association Colt Division. Despite her age and gender, Jessica’s performance on the field was nothing short of exemplary.
Throughout the match, Jessica demonstrated intelligence, agility, and decisiveness that belied her young age. Her impeccable timing in blowing the whistle and her ability to control the flow of the game left spectators in awe. As the final whistle blew, it was evident to everyone present that Jessica was a force to be reckoned with.
One spectator remarked, “What men can do, women can also do better,” and Jessica Gandhi epitomizes this sentiment. Her outstanding performance not only earned her praise from the crowd but also highlighted the importance of gender equality in sports officiating.
Credit is also due to the Prestea Huni Valley District Referees Association of Ghana, particularly Chairman Ref. Emmanuel Allou Tebson and his executives, for their dedication to training and developing young referees in the district. Their commitment to nurturing talent like Jessica Gandhi is paving the way for a new generation of referees in Ghanaian football.
Moreover, the Ghana Football Association, under the leadership of President Mr. Kurt Okraku, deserves commendation for its “catch them young” policy, which aims to identify and nurture talent at a grassroots level. Jessica Gandhi’s rise to prominence is a testament to the success of such initiatives and underscores the importance of investing in youth development in sports.
As Jessica continues her journey in football officiating, there is no doubt that she will inspire countless others to follow in her footsteps. With determination, hard work, and unwavering support from her community, Jessica Gandhi is destined to become one of the best female referees in Africa and the world.