A Ghana Women’s Premier League match at the Techiman Urban Park on Sunday, January 18, 2026, was disrupted by violence after the referee, Lovia Boadiwaa Duodo, was allegedly assaulted by supporters moments after the final whistle.
The match, which featured Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC and FC Savannah Ladies, descended into chaos following a dramatic conclusion. FC Savannah Ladies were leading 2–1 in stoppage time when Ampem Darkoa Ladies equalised in the 92nd minute. Ampem Darkoa then scored the winning goal in the fifth minute of added time, triggering unrest among sections of the crowd.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online show supporters invading the pitch immediately after the match ended. During the disorder, referee Lovia Boadiwaa Duodo was reportedly singled out and attacked while being escorted off the field. She sustained injuries in the process. One FC Savannah Ladies player was also injured amid the pitch invasion.
The exact circumstances leading to the alleged assault remain unclear, and there has been no official confirmation of the nature or extent of Duodo’s injuries. However, the incident has sparked widespread condemnation from football stakeholders and renewed debate about the safety of referees, particularly women, in domestic competitions.
The violence has also drawn attention to crowd control and security arrangements at league venues, especially during high-pressure matches with significant implications for league standings. Techiman Urban Park has previously hosted top-flight women’s matches, but the events of Sunday have raised questions about whether existing security measures are adequate.
As of the time of reporting, the Ghana Football Association had not issued an official statement on the incident. It is not yet known whether investigations have commenced or if disciplinary action will be taken against any individuals or clubs involved.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about violence in Ghanaian football and the protection of match officials, with calls growing for stronger enforcement of security standards and sanctions to deter future attacks.