Portia Oppong Makes History as Ghana’s First Female FIFA Beach Soccer Referee

According to a report by GhanaWeb on Monday, October 12, 2026. Ghanaian referee Portia Oppong continues to make history in sports officiating after becoming the country’s first female referee on the FIFA-approved beach soccer referees roster for 2026.

Her achievement marks a significant milestone for Ghanaian sports, highlighting the growing participation of women in football officiating and creating opportunities for more female referees to pursue careers in the sport.

Oppong recently received an international appointment as Reserve Assistant Referee for the first-leg encounter between Côte d’Ivoire and Mauritania in the qualifiers for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.

The match was scheduled to take place at the Agora de Port-Bouët in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The appointment adds to her growing experience on the international stage and reflects her progress in beach soccer officiating.

Oppong began her refereeing career in 2016, after completing senior high school in 2015. She started officiating matches in Akyem Oda in Ghana’s Eastern Region before gradually advancing through the ranks.

Over the years, she has gained experience in traditional football, futsal and beach soccer, demonstrating her versatility across different forms of the game.

Her domestic assignments include the 2026 Ghana Beach Soccer Premier League final between Sea Sharks and Vodza Iron Breakers on September 27, 2026. She was appointed as the referee for the decisive encounter at the Ada Assurance Beach Soccer Arena.

She has also participated in other major domestic beach soccer competitions. In November 2023, she was listed among the match officials for the final and third-place playoff of the Beach Soccer Premier League at Keta Beach.

In June 2024, Oppong was again named among the officials for the opening round of the league’s Zone Two competition.

Her experience is not limited to beach soccer. In November 2022, she served as an assistant referee for a Women’s Premier League match between Hasaacas Ladies and Ridge City, further demonstrating her involvement in women’s football.

Oppong’s appointment to the FIFA-approved beach soccer referees roster for 2026 represents an important step in her professional journey. It also places her among the women contributing to the development and recognition of beach soccer officiating in Ghana.

Her progress reflects the importance of training, dedication and professional development in sports. As she takes on more responsibilities, her achievement could inspire young women interested in refereeing to pursue opportunities at both domestic and international levels.

With her latest international appointment, Oppong continues to build her reputation in beach soccer officiating while representing Ghana on the international stage.

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