The journalist and the entire sports ecosystem is abuzz with excitement as the highly anticipated SWAG Sports Journalist of the Year award is set to be announced on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at the Central Hotel, North Ridge.

The award, presented by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), recognizes the outstanding work of sports journalists in the country.

Among the nominees are some of the most talented and dedicated sports journalists in Ghana, each having demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to their craft.

The nominees have covered various sports, including football, athletics, badminton, boxing, armwrestling and para sports and have showcased their expertise through their reporting.

The winner of the award will be determined by a panel of judges who have assessed the nominees' work based on their writing quality, storytelling ability, and impact on the sports industry.

The judges have also considered the nominees' ability to adapt to the ever-changing media landscape and their commitment to ethical journalism.

The nominees are filled with anticipation and excitement as the announcement date approaches.

Each one is eager to claim the top honor and bask in the recognition of their peers. The award is considered one of the most prestigious in the sports journalism industry, and winning it would be a career-defining moment for any journalist.

The SWAG Sports Journalist of the Year award is an attestation to the hard work and assiduity of sports journalists in Ghana. These individuals play a crucial role in shaping the sports narrative and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

The sports community will on Sunday congregate to celebrate the best of Ghanaian sports journalism at the Central Hotel in Accra.

The announcement of the winner for the SWAG Sports Journalist of the Year award will be done with great fanfare as Asbella Nana Akua Amakwah, Fiifi Anaman, Bill Eshun, Nii Bruce Tagoe and Yaw Ofosu Larbie are all in contention for the top award.

Instituted in 2022, journalists Saddick Adams, Juliet Bawuah, Gary Al-Smith and Bright Kamkam Boadu have all won this prestigious award and sports world awaits to congratulate the winner.

Source : www.swagghana.com

The keen boxing enthusiast supports the idea of getting more women and girls in boxing.

She expressed that many women are ready to support and serve if given the opportunity.

She commended the GBA for supporting the reforms suggested by the National Sports Authority.

Ohemea Odiasempa Abena Ayebea Okani I prayed for more boxing champions.

The queen mother of  Adukrom Akuapem who loves sports is also a business woman and loves tourism.

She believes boxing can attract more tourists and other related businesses to Ghana.

She was at the GBA office last Tuesday to congratulate the Ag President Roger Barnor and the board.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has re instated Mr. Patrick Johnson as the Secretary General of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The appointment is in line with the efforts to bring reforms and implement the recommendations of the seven member committee set up by the Minister of Sports and Recreation.

Mr. Johnson who spoke to Yours Truly yesterday after the board meeting of the GBA said he is ready to offer his experience and expertise to bring Ghana Boxing to its glory days of producing world champions.

He noted that the boxers are there but climbing to the top or getting into the world ranks has been an issue which he hope to tackle.

He promised to put into place modern scientific administrative structures and strategies to make boxing lovers see real change and a progressive Authority.

Mr. Johnson who is Vice President of African Boxing Promotions Commission (ABPC) said it is all about boxing and he has come to support and make things better.

He was the Secretary General of the GBA during the era of Lawyer Peter Zwennes and worked with Moses Foh Amoaning on the Bukom Fist of Fury programme.

The immediate past President was however not able to work with him.

Meanwhile, the reconstituted board and many stakeholders have approved and supported the appointment of Mr. Johnson.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Team Ghana aka the Golden Arms were able to win 55 medals to place third after host nation, Nigeria and Benin at the 14th African Arm Wrestling Championship at Abuja.

Nigeria presented 173 athletes and got a better part of the competition against Ghana who took a fewer athletes and were able to shine not only in performance but in dressing.

Clothed by THB, Ghana Armwrestling was the best dressed Team at the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship in Nigeria.

The team was inspired, motivated and powdered by Ghana Tourism Authority, National Petroleum Authority, National Lotteries, Glico Insurance, Ghana Civil Aviation, National Health Insurance Authority, Kofikrom Pharmacy, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Verna Water, K-Balm, Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Ghana Olympic Committee.

Mr. Charles Osei Asibey who is Vice President of World Armwrestling and President of African Armwrestling commended the Nigerians for organising a superb event.

As leader and President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation he was able to attract sponsorship and they athletes also performed well.

Team Ghana amassed 55 medals made up of 26 gold, 20 silver and 9 bronze.

World champion Grace Minta of Ghana Police was a great inspiration to the team as her triumph added much confidence to her colleagues performance.

The 14th African Armwrestling Championship was thrilling.

The Closing Ceremony and Medal Presentations were a spectacular display of African strength, unity, and sportsmanship. Athletes, officials, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the triumphs and achievements of the past five days.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports  presented medals to the deserving winners. The atmosphere was electric, with over 400 athletes and officials from across the continent in attendance. Nigeria emerged as the overall champion, dominating the medal table with an impressive haul of gold, silver, and bronze medals.

The Republic of Benin took home the second runner-up spot, while Ghana secured third place.

The championship, hosted by the Nigeria Armwrestling Federation (NAWF).

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG) has congratulated the national senior women's football team, the Black Queens for their remarkable performance at the 2024 African Women’s Nations Cup Tournament in Morocco where they placed third to grab the bronze medal.

Mrs. Joyce Mahama, the President of WOSPAG in her message of congratulation said the Black Queens did very well because there had ben trying moments when it was very difficult for them to reach the last four but this time they made it and even beat the defending champion South Africa at the tournament.

She praised the entire team and technical staff led by Coach Lars for their determination and willing spirit that kept them improving after each game.

Mrs. Mahama said the team must be maintained and packaged well so that they can win the next tournament as they also have young players who are learning and ready to die for the nation.

She prayed that they would be rewarded accordingly to motivate the players and others who also wish to aspire to also win.

She commended the media who followed the team and brought the exclusive news reports to Ghanaians.

WOSPAG members were among the fans who trooped to the airport on Monday morning to welcome the Black Queens.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's Jacob 'Chorkor Fire' Laryea stepped up to challenge for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) Super Welterweight title against home favourite, Jacques Tshikubu Muvud, but he sadly lost after 12 hot rounds.

Jacob Tetteh Laryea who loves to be called “Chorkor Fire” fought a good bout but surprising went to the canvass in round 12 to suffer his first career loss to Jacques Tshikubu Muvud on Sunday evening at the Chapiteau de Kolwezi, Kolwezi in DR Congo.

When the bout started to the championship round, fans watching were glad and clapped after every round, but it seems Laryea was cut off guard and failed to win the ABU super welterweight title for Ghana. His record is now 12-1-0.

Meanwhile, Coach Carl Lokko who was satisfied with the performance of Laryea revealed they are requesting for a rematch. Jacques Tshikubu Muvud is now 10-3-1, and enjoying his new status.

He thanked the GBA and all boxing fans and media for the support.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

A boxing extravaganza dubbed the 2025 Asafotufiami Boxing Night will hit Ada on August 2 as part of efforts to promote tourism, sports, peace and unity.

Featuring on the bill is Charles Tetteh, crowned Best Boxer of Season 1 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, against Fatiou Sarouna of Togo in an 8-round international super featherweight clash at the Asafotu Park also known as Big Ada Presby Junior High School Park, Ada.

The fight night is part of a mega cultural and sporting calendar, including the Gadangme Homowo Festival Celebrations and the Gadangme Youth Sports Festival and Tourism Awards & Dinner Night 2025.

Mr. Edward Coleman who is President of the Gadangbe Youth Organisation / CEO of Sports Education and Management (SEM) Promotions said the show is to create entertainment and education for the people in peace and unity towards economic emancipation

He said the agenda is to promote the Arts, Culture Tourism and Business.

He thanked Legacy Rise Sports and the media partners for supporting the event.

Ghana’s boxing icons, including former world champions Azumah Nelson, Ike “Bazooka” Quartey and Joshua Clottey are expected to grace the VIP and ringside to support of a noble cause of unearthing and inspiring the next generation of fighters from the region.

The 2025 Gadangbe Sports and Tourism Festival initiated by Edward Coleman.a boxing promoter is to bring about peace and unity among Gadangbe people was launched at the Mcdan Park at La in Accra last Sunday.

The event was under the theme "Thanking the Almighty for successful free and fair elections and praying for economic breakthroughs". The events planned in the celebration include football for both male and female, boxing table tennis, volleyball, tennis, and other games.

The players who featured at the launch were drawn from Ga Mashie, Chorkor, Mamprobi, Korle Gonno, La, Osu, Teshie and Tema.

The artistes on the programme include Dada Yohane, Daniela, Araasamey, Vuvuzela, Romeo Swag, King Street Dancers and others.

Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Geoffrey Tamakloe and Sheikh Ibrahim Tijani Leetei Mensah graced the official launch of the GaDangme Youth Sports Festival and Tourism 2025 at McDan La Town Park

By Sammy Heywood Okine    

MPT Foundation GH Promotions was launched into the Ghana Boxing Fraternity at a astonishing ceremony held at the Infinity Events Center at Mamprobi in Accra last Sunday.

Rev. John Wesley Lawson, head pastor at the Marathon Praise Tabernacle whose love for sports and boxing in particular led to the launch of the new promotions outfit whose aim is to support amateur boxers to become professionals with credentials, by catching them young and training them to become well disciplined heroes and champions.

According to the Minister of the Lord, his passion has led him to boxing and he believes in combining education and sports as well as spirituality and sports.

He noted that the sportsman or boxer must be aware and literate to be able to read and write as well as determine what is good for him.

The launched which coincided with the birthday of Rev. Lawson was spiced by lectures on insurance and education. The Reverend Minister cut his birthday cakes in the ring with the support of his family and other pastors and promoters.

He told the media, MPT has come to join Ghana Boxing family with an aim, vision and programme to support in making young people gain salvation, get attracted to the Word of God, support amateur boxing and give boxers and trainers better opportunities.

Mrs. Veronica Odom, a retired educationist said education is good for personal development and socialization, as well as better communication and strategies.

She expressed that learning should be upgraded through Adult Education plus basic, essential and technical skills.

There was also a talk on insurance for boxers delivered by Mr. Isaac Opare of Axis Pension Trust.

Miss Freda Bulley, a member of the church in charge of PR and related activities said boxing is more than sports as people involved must learn so many things related to life, like resilience, discipline, motivation and winning spirit.

The stakeholders led by the Ghana Boxing Authority representatives delivered solidarity messages to welcome MPT Promotions.

The night was climaxed with exciting juvenile and amateur bouts.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Mrs. Joyce Mahama, the Ghanaian President of African Women In Sports Association (AWISA) has attended an impressive Congress organised by the Namibia Women Sports Association.

The event that took place in Ongwediva saw representatives from Uganda, Angola and Cameraman who are executive members of AWISA attending.

Giving an overview, she said the Congress which was held at Galaxy Hotel

Ongwediva, Oshana Region, Namibia was very successful and the future is also bright for African sports women.

Issues discussed mostly centred on Gender Sensitivity; ensuring that all sports projects, activities are designed and implemented with a strong gender lens.

The meeting addressed specific needs and challenges faced by women and girls in sports.

Mrs. Mahama called for more of such interactions and collaborations with sister nations.

She met the President of Pan Africa Women Organization (PAWO), Her Excellency Madam Eunice Lipinge from Namibia, Madam Carol Garose the foundation stone of AWISA and the General Secretary Ms Elizabeth Ngulungu, Vice President from Uganda Madam Hadija

According to Madam Mahama, they had different meetings with different Women's groups, and AWISA was registered with the Pan Africa Women Organization.

She announced plans by Women Sports Association of Ghana (WOSPAG) to organise an Ampe Competition to celebrate this year's Ga Homowo Festival in Accra. Ampe is a traditional sport mostly played by girls.

Mrs. Joyce Mahama also congratulated the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for hosting a successful competition in Morocco and commended the gold medal winners. Nigeria, runners up Morocco who took silver and bronze medalists Ghana.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

2022 Commonwealth silver Medalist, Abraham Mensah aka 'Unstoppable" says his target is the National Featherweight Championship title held by Stanley Nyantekyi aka Ashanti Warrior.

In an exclusive chat on Omashi TV last Friday,  Mensah disclosed that he wants to beat Nyantekyi because he has been overhyped with cheap opponents and wants him to get his first real boxing taste.

According to Mensah who trains at the Seconds Out Gym, due to some factors he is a bit late, but he is now ready to take on the best boxers in Featherweight and Super Featherweight.

"I have arrived and I want to do it quickly.  It seems boxing fans have forgotten about me, but I am back in grand style and I want to thank my management, fans and family for how far I have reached" he said.

Mensah who has one professional bout says boxing is his life and the only thing he learnt and can do best is boxing.

"I believe in myself that I can become a world beater, I just need the encouragement and support to realise the dream" he said.

Abraham Mensah who attended the Street Academy and later found himself in the Black Bombers team noted that fighting as a professional is very different from an amateur, but he loves the experience and exposure that both give.

"I am really wild, I am coming like a wounded tiger and want to warn all boxers at the Featherweight class that the real champ is back" he said. He was accompanied by Coach Dan on the show.

By Sammy Heywood Okine