Organising very big Awards events like the prestigious Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) event is not an easy task.

It involves a lot, from the selection of the awards committee to the Association's endorsement before going public, the organization of the event itself.

Securing a good venue like the State House, Banquet Hall has been the standard or the Accra International Conference Center or the Trade Fair or any mega five star hotel.

I remember we were in Kumasi at the Prempeh Assembly Hall, one of my life experiences as an even organizer, and it was splendid.

We have to look for a band or too musician to provide entertainment, not to forget catering and security, ushers, MC and other stuff.

Then we look for sponsorship to make event grand.

For this I have to thank great men like B.B. Bismark and companies like MTN, SIC, Ghana Telecom, Adamus Resources and others for their wonderful support and assistance to the sports inky fraternity for the past seasons.

This year is the 48th and every event is always better than the previous.

Companies like Nguvu Mining Ltd must be commended for taking up the challenge to support the Sports Writers Association of Ghana.

Likewise, National Lotteries, Ghana Civil Aviation, TT Brothers and more coming up.

In deed, SWAG executives and members are so grateful for the gesture of the loving companies and really appreciate, however we will call for more.

SWAG Awards have always been exclusive and this time round a very top and loved artiste is taking the big stage and would be backed by other amazing musicians.

The SWAG is 55 years this year 2023, and we look forward for greater achievements.

Now the SWAG is national and represented in every region of Ghana. However our challenge here is getting the real sports journalists separated from the fake journalists aka 'Paparazzi' as they are known in Ghana.

SWAG now boasts of over 900 members.

SWAG is affiliated to the AIPS, International Sports Press Association.

The current SWAG is led by astute and experienced Kwabena Yeboah. The Association recently elected it's new Executive including the first female Vice President, Ms. Evelyn Nsiah Asare and the Women's Commissioner, Mavis Amanor the Fire Lady.

Having joined the Association in 1990, I have contributed and done my best to develop and improve the brand, logo and presence.

As a former Deputy General Secretary, the one who does most of the leg work and link ups, I want to acknowledge the immaculate creative tactics of the General Secretary, Mr. Charles Osei Asibey aka 'Barrister' who was re elected and the entire secretariat for their commitment and attitude.

The SWAG Award is very dear to people in sports. Most of time, members of SWAG do not know the extent of the Awards and the lives it affects.

SWAG is grateful to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority, Ghana Olympic Committee and all bodies involved in sports, including the Local Organising Committee for the 13th African Games.

The Awards attract sitting presidents, vice presidents, prominent sports stars, traditional leaders, corporate executives and the general public.

The SWAG Awards is Ghana's first-ever and longest-running platform for celebrating sports achievements, and has honoured over 1,000 individuals, teams and organisations since its inception in 1973.

The ceremony has been graced by personalities like H.E Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, Former President President John Agyekum Kufuor, H.E John Evans Atta Mills, the late and has enjoyed international flavour with the presence of guests such as Mr. Gianni Merlo, the AIPS President (Italian), Mr. Danny Jordaan, LOC Chairman of World Cup South Africa 2010, Mr. Jacques Anoma from Cote d'Ivoire and other members of the Diplomatic Corps.

On the 48^th edition we say Ayekoo to the founding fathers of SWAG and those who have held the fort to maintain and improve upon the event.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

New favourite boxer of Bukom, Abu Kamoko did an excellent work to dismiss Nigerian opponent Jireh Yakubu by a round one TKO in their amateur cruiser-weight bout on the maiden Macbones Promotions bill on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

Kamoko who is the first son of Bukom Banko aka Braima Kamoko entertained the crowd with his style of boxing as he was backed by the whole house in the Arena.

The Bukom fans roared in joy with every punch Tilapia landed, leaving the Nigerian contender under immense pressure.

Despite the referee's attempts to continue the bout, Yakubu's coach eventually threw in the towel. Ghanaian professional boxer Bukom Banku was notably seen training his son, also known as Ambitious Tilapia, ahead of the bout.

He also gave the spectators some dance after the bout, just like his dad does.

In the corner of Abu was ace trainer Coach Carl Lokko of the Bronx Boxing Gym.

Before joining the Bronx Gym, he was trained by his dad, Bukom Banku

Bukom Banku recently announced his retirement and has been training his son Abu Kamoko aka Bukom Tilapia on the streets on Bukom.

“I will be great as my dad. but I have my own mission, my own style from the game, my dad has done his part left with me to be great, I want to win a world title” Abu promised.

The bout was watched by prominent personalities like John Mahama, John Dumelo, Azumah Nelson, Zenator Rawlings, Asamoah Gyan and other dignitaries.

The Macbones Promotion was well attended.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has officially opened the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre in the capital of the Eastern Region, Koforidua.

This center is part of a broader initiative, including the construction of 10 youth resource centers nationwide.

In keeping with his commitment to advancing youth and sports development in Ghana, President Akufo Addo highlighted the project’s significance. The renovation, initiated by former Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah in March 2018, has resulted in notable additions, such as a 5000-seater stand, basketball and volleyball courts, a lawn tennis court, and running tracks.

The facility now boasts a press box, VIP stand, ICT lab, restaurant, counseling, and career centers. A representative group from the Ghana Athletics Association, drawn from Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Wa, engaged in various sporting disciplines as part of preparations for the upcoming 2024 Athletic season.

Expressing his joy, President Akufo Addo emphasized that the commissioning of the inaugural youth resource center exemplified his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people of Ghana regarding youth and sports development. He directed the Ministry of Finance and district assemblies to allocate the necessary funds from the common funds to the National Youth Authority under ACT 939, ensuring the timely completion of the remaining youth resource centers.

After unveiling the commemorative plaque, President Akufo Addo kicked off an official game between Ghana’s Under 20 side, the Black Satellites, and Akyem Oda-based Kotoku Royals, marking the facility’s official opening to the public.

Bawa Fusieni, President of the Ghana Athletics Association, emphasized the facility’s importance in nurturing talent for the athletics body. Pius Enam Hadzide, CEO of the National Youth Authority, described the facility as a haven and recreational space for young people.

During the commissioning, Eastern Regional Minister Seth Kwame Acheampong expressed excitement about the facility’s presence, underscoring its vital role in youth development. Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Yussif praised President Akufo Addo’s dedication to sports and the administration’s efforts to enhance sporting facilities nationwide.

Credit citi sports

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13th Africa Games, has taken its awareness campaign to the Western Region, after a massive take off in Accra.

The LOC on Monday, December 25, joined thousands of masqueraders in Takoradi for the 2023 Christmas Carnival, as they marched through town with flyers, banners of the competition which is expected to attract over 50 African countries.

Leading the campaign was Tumus Masqueraders, who led the float through some principal streets in Takoradi before converging at the Market Circle, amidst music and dance.

The huge crowd dressed in their colourful attire, displayed their unique dancing skills with arts and culture to mark the festival as well as promote the 13th edition of the African Games in Takoradi.

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Executive Chairman of the LOC in an interview with the media said the Christmas Carnival was part of the plans to publicize the African Games in the country, adding that though the Games would be held in Accra, there was the need to whip up the enthusiasm of the entire country to support it.

He said the LOC, together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other entities would do their best to make the games a memorable one.

According to Dr. Ofosu Asare, the LOC would involve the various groups in the region in the Games.

Th is the second float to be organized by the LOC after staging a similar one on Saturday, December 24, in Accra.

The continental party is scheduled for Friday March 8, 2024, to Saturday March 23, 2024.

Source William Ezah

From left to right Mercy Werner, Felicity Okyei Gyeabour, middle Alhaji Ahmed Padori, Constance Awuni and Jessica Teye

At long last the four (4) ladies vying to become golf professionals have received good news from PGA Ghana, the governing body in charge of  professional golf in Ghana.

With this, the ladies which include Mercy Werner, Felicity Gyeabour, Constance Awuni and Jessica Tei will go through a training programme to equip themselves with important aspect of the game.

After the training they will then be eligible to participate in any tournament in Ghana and abroad. 

The motivation of the ladies to succeed as golf professionals in the Ghana has been echoed by Alhaji Ahmed Padori Director of Operations PGA Ghana that the story of these ladies will become history not only within the professional golfing fraternity in Ghana but the entire sports in the country.

Consequently the ladies will be given all the necessary tools and available assistance from PGA Ghana to make sure their aims and objectives are achieved. The ladies also are delighted with the good news from PGA Ghana and promised to also help to promote ladies golf in the country.

They also gave their assurance to encourage young talented female golfers to become professional golfers in line with the professional men division.

The four ladies competed in the 10th edition of the Goldfields PGA Championship at Damang in the Western Region.

Source PGA Ghana

Ghana Police won the Men's Gold at the 2023 edition of the Super Volleyball Championship when they defeated El Wak Wings in an exciting final.

Army Men and Police Ladies took the bronze medals respectively.

The Gold for Women went to the Ghana Army. They beat Air Force in a very tough and interesting match.

Six clubs represented each group of two and they played against each other.

The competition which took place at the Ghana International School came to a successful end on Friday December 22, 2023.

Meanwhile, stakeholder of Ghana Volleyball are planning to build their own state of the art Volleyball Court with all the necessary facilities, such as offices for administrative work and catering as well as dressing rooms.

Officials of the Ghana Volleyball Association and the Greater Accra Regional Association commended Mohammed Awudu Aputeog for his vision and support for players and people who love Volleyball.

Mohammed Awudu Aputeog promised that next year will be another bigger one because the organisers have studied all the challenges and would make adequate preparation.

He called for a positive press to cover and report on the Super Volleyball Championship.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Bronze medalist, Samuel Takyi aka 'Ring Warrior' says he is no longer under the management of Bazooka Promotions and Management Syndicate.

Speaking with Yours Truly after performing at the Bukom Boxing Arena during the Nshona Rave Show, he expressed that "my focus and concentration is on the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers in Italy and Thailand as well as the African Games. I want to win gold in all these competitions. I need to prepare, concentrate and have more fights to get into shape for the challenge. I am ready to compete for Ghana again, so I have shelved all professional plans. Am back to the amateur ranks because I want to represent Ghana. Now I have the experience and exposure. Am better and matured than three years ago".

Samuel Takyi now trains at the Wisdom Boxing Gym under the national boxing coach, Ofori Asare and a staff of dedicated young trainers and seconds who have attention for skilful and talented boxers.

Samuel Takyi noted that definitely he will have enemies and loved ones, but it would be great if they unite and support the Black Bombers at all events.

“We have to think of Ghana first” he added.

By Sammy HeywoodOkine

Ghana's Black Stars will kick off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d'Ivoire 2023 preparations by assembling in Johannesburg next week.

The four-time champions will meet on December 31st to begin a 10-day camp in South Africa ahead of next month's finals in Cote d'Ivoire, the Ghana FA has announced.

Ghana face a solitary warm-up friendly against Botswana on January 8th before travelling to Abidjan two days later.

Black Stars Coach Chris Hughton confirmed training sessions at the Johannesburg camp will be closed to the media and public.

Hughton's side have been drawn in a tricky Group B alongside giants Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

They open their campaign against Cape Verde on January 14th in a rematch of their World Cup playoff earlier this year.

Ghana then take on record seven-time Afcon winners Egypt on January 18th in a titanic clash between two of the continent's heavyweights.

The Black Stars conclude their group matches versus Mozambique on January 22nd.

Hughton is expected to name a strong squad including the likes of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and West Ham star Mohammed Kudus.

Captain Andre Ayew will lead the squad as he looks to inspire Ghana to a first Afcon triumph since 1982.

With a total of four titles, Ghana are seeking to close the gap on Egypt and Cameroon's record tally of five AFCON wins.

After the heartbreak of their 2022 World Cup group stage exit, Ghana are out to make amends on the international stage in Cote d'Ivoire.

But with tricky group opponents, Hughton knows his squad face a stern test if they are to advance deep into the tournament.

The manager will hope a focused Johannesburg training camp can help Ghana find their best form before the Afcon begins.

With Ayew, Partey and others on board, Ghana still possess the undeniable quality to conquer Africa again 40 years on from their last success.

footballghana

The Senior Staff Association at the University of Ghana and the University of Education Winneba Chapter have organised a Tug of War Competition at the North Campus Hockey Pitch on the 20th of December, 2023.

Six teams competed in the event, namely UTAG, GAUA, SSA, AJUMAKO, TEWU, and Radio Windy Bay. The participants pulled fiercely in battles of strength and strategy to secure victory.

TEWU pulled GAUA in the first pull, while UTAG beat SSA over two straight victories. AJUMAKO also pulled Radio Windy Bay.

At the end of the interesting competition, UTAG, TEWU, and AJUMAKO emerged as the top contenders, qualifying for the final showdown scheduled for January 2024.

According to Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, Tug of War s not just about physical prowess, but it revolves mind set.

The theme of the event was “The Role of Fun Games in Building Social Capital.” Participants and spectators alike witnessed how such activities can foster unity and teamwork among diverse groups.

The occasion was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Acting Registrar of the University of Education Winneba, Mrs. Wilhelmina Tetteh-Mensah, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.

Other who watched were Professor Victor Antwi (Pro Vice-Chancellor), Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong (Dean, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences, and Home Economics), Mr. Isaac Donkor (SSA National Chairman), and Mr. Collins Awuku (Director of Windy Bay Radio).

According to Mr. Williams the competitions are to select best pullers to represent Ghana at the next African and World Championships.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Four men and two women teams from the University of Ghana, Legon took part in the first Inter-Halls Tug of War Championship organized by the Ghana Tug Of War Association (GHATOWA) on 8th December 2023.

The teams wereTeam Athletics, Team UGSSC, Team Limann, and Team Legon Hall. They battled in pulling at the Athletes Oval field of the University of Ghana from 4:30 pm till about 6:30 pm.

In the men’s Division, the first pull Team UGDSC lost to Team Limann who progressed to the final with Team Athletics.

The second pull was between Team Legon Hall and Team Athletics in which Team Athletics won with 2:0 and progressed to final. The 3rd and 4th pull was between Team Legon and Team Limann in which Team Legon won.

The final pull was between Team Athletics and Team UGSSC in which Team Limann came out as winner by a score of 2:1.

In the women’s Division, Team Mensah Sarbah won and Team Volta was second.

At the end of the event, Mr S. B. Macualey, Vice President of the Ghana Tug of War Association presented medals to the various winners.

The organisers also distributed orange drinks provided by Cave and Gardens, to all participants. Mr. Henry Nii Sackey, Mr. Emmanuel Bruce-Okine, and Mr. Suleman Mensah graced the occasion.

Ghana Tug of War Association (GHATOWA) officials on the day were Mr. Charles Oteng Acquah, Juliana Kwaning, Portia and Shina, Nana Yaw, and Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams, President of the federation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine