Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Sammy Anim Addo has sharply criticized the GFA, accusing referee Maxwell Hanson of being the association’s “man for dirty works” following complaints from Accra Lions over his officiating in their 1-0 defeat to Dreams FC.
Accra Lions have expressed their frustration, alleging they were “robbed” and demanding reforms in Ghanaian football. However, Dreams FC has defended Hanson, suggesting that poor officiating is something every club has experienced at some point.
Anim Addo, who is now President of Young Apostles, joined the chorus of criticism, labeling Hanson as a “hatchet man.” He also took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal how he had been silenced by GFA leadership when he previously raised concerns about officiating.
“Maxwell Hanson is their man for ‘dirty works,’” Anim Addo wrote. “I sounded the alarm bells months ago but I was vehemently challenged with every attempt to ‘shush’ me by the leadership of Ghana Football… His disgraceful conduct undermines the league’s quality.”
Anim Addo furt her alleged that he had been threatened with relegation for speaking out, stating, “I have been threatened many times already that this GFA administration will ensure foul means to relegate my club, Young Apostles. But, I want to sound caution to them, that, it is not the worst they can do to me and my continuous investment and commitment to Ghana football.”
The controversy surrounding Hanson’s decisions during the Dreams FC vs. Accra Lions match has sparked widespread reactions, with fans and stakeholders expressing dissatisfaction with his officiating.
