The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13th African Games, dubbed Accra 2023 will organize a float through some principal streets of Accra on Saturday, December 23, 2023.

According to Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Reks Brobby, the activity is part of programs to create awareness and interest in the 'African Olympics'.

The float will start from the Accra Sports Stadium, through central Accra, Adabraka, Osu Oxford Streets and end at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Some popular artistes, sports men and women, who excelled at the previous Africa Games, administrators, media and athletes, are expected to join the float.

There would be mini competitions in Armwrestling, Table Tennis and Darts  to promote and raise awareness.

High-profile personalities from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Sporting Federations Heads, and government officials would be joined by the popular 'Di Asa' ladies as they thrill and educate the populace about the need to patronise the games.

While patrons enjoy the brass band, they will also enjoy the distribution of souvenirs and others.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ebenezer Oshogbo Crassie was the star and toast of the night at the World Trade Centre on Friday evening when the song for the 13th African Games was played to the hearing of Ghanaians for the first time at the World Trade Center in Accra.

Chairman of the Media sub Committee of the Local organising committee LOC, Mr. Dan Kweku Yeboah, the Chief Operating Officer Dr. Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah and Alhaji Osman made introductions, gave reason for the gathering and performed the welcome address respectively.

Mr. Reks Brobby also came in to introduce other LOC members and dignitaries to be acknowledged for before Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, the Executive Chairman arrived to announce that the Games is seriously coming on in spite of doubts by some people.

He gave background of the African Games and reasons for the theme song plus the importance of music to human life.

He urged Ghanaians to come together to organize the best African Games in history, as it is a national project and the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo has it very close to his heart as this is a great opportunity to host African countries in multiple sports for the first time since 1965.

"We have the can do spirit and we will surely succeed to make our nation and Africa proud" he expressed.

The LOC EC thanked the media and sports supporters for playing positive roles towards the Games.

"It is time to stimulate business in Ghana through the African Games" he noted.

The composer of the theme song was introduced and the music played live as well as recorded version also heard for the first time by the public with the support of Brass Simon's band.

Ebenezer Oshogbo Crassie, a notable musician and songwriter is the CEO of Music Klinic. The resident of Kasoa in the Central Region is an alumnus of St. Augustine’s College. He emerged victorious from a pool of over three hundred entries, and got the winner's prize of GH¢40,000.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ben Nunoo Mensah Foundation, a charitable organization has on Thursday December 21, 2023 presented assorted items from Twellium Industrial, including some exciting products; American Cola, Verna Natural Mineral Water, Bubble Up, Planet Drinks, It’s BIGoo, Easy flavoured drinks, bags of rice and cooking oil as well as undisclosed amount to some sports heroes of Ghana.

The first recipient of the Yuletide gifts was former Black Stars and Accra Hearts of Oak Team Manager, Saban Quaye at his residence at Ablekuma.

He is not well, but asked Accra Hearts of Oak and Manchester United not to make him sad. He advised players of Hearts of Oak to be loyal and will reap the results when he are no more playing.

He was surprised about the visit because it was unannounced and thanked all who have remembered and supported him in his trying moments.

"Welfare and psyching of players is what I always deal with because if the players are happy, they deliver and make fans also happy" he noted.

At Fadama Race Course, Nii Noi Thompson who played for Hearts in the late 70s / 80s and coached the club, winning the league at the end of 2008 /2009 season was also amazed and thanked the Foundation. He had coaching stints with Liberty Professionals and Bechem Chelsea and Accra Hearts of Oak.

Now finding discomfort in a wheelchair, he advised the youth to live worthy lives so that they can be favored.

Former Goal King of Ghana in 1973, Peter Lamptey, 77 who is basrd at Bubuashie was so happy to be remembered and poured his joy and blessings on the GOC capo. He displayed some old newspapers and magazines that he was featured in.

He advised Hearts of Oak Directors to listen to the grievances of the supporters and put the club on a winning path. He sang the famous 'Arose' song.

At Soko, Joe Tex Odoi, a defender who won the prestigious SWAG Footballer of the year in 1984 commended the Foundation for the gesture. After he won the SWAG award there was no winner until Abedi Pele emerged in 1989.

The former captain of Ghana U20, U23 and the Black Stars was not happy with the performance of the current Black Stars and urged them to step up their game. He consistently featured for Ghana for ten years from 1984 to 1994. He is a B licensed coach but can not work due to his health situation.

At Dansoman, Mr. Abeka Ankrah, 80 who has been blind for some time expressed that a country that does not honour it's heroes is not worth dying for and by the gesture of the BNM Foundation, talented and skilful people must be supported to shine for the nation.

At 17 he played for the Real Republicans and joined Accra Hearts of Oak in 1967 which remains the club of his heart.

He also revealed how he got the nick name 'Why Worry' and gave some coaching techniques on goal scoring.

Octogenarian,Theophilus Saka Addo who is staying with his wife at Gbegbesei, Beach Road was one of the beneficiaries who also advised the current Directors of Hearts to go with the style of the late Tommy Thompson to achieve results.

Madam Vicentia Deku of Hearts Ladies, a member of the Foundation prayed for good health, prosperity and long life for the living legends.

Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah was a former management member of Auroras and Accra Hearts of Oak; and former President of the Ghana Weightlifting Association (GWA), serving also at the African Weightlifting Federation (AWF).

He is currently President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), an Insurance Broker and Businessman, the CEO of Directline Risk Consult and Barari DV Ghana Ltd.

He was born in Accra, Ghana and has been a fan of Accra Hearts of Oak since he started watching matches at the Accra Sports Stadium when he was six years old. Another football club the man from Winneba loves is Liverpool FC in England.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Guests at the 2023 MTN festival of Nine Lessons and Carols night were really treated to good music and entertainment as they danced to blistering tunes and display by popular artistes.

The venue, Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Center was packed as the programmed started with a performance from songstress, Freda Rhymz who mesmerized the crowd with some renditions of Christmas carols before performing some of her hit songs like Saucy, don’t kiss me, just to mention a few.

Comedian Foster Romanus hosted the great show.

Some of the readers on the night included former Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan who entertained the crowd while reading his verse.

The MTN Viva Voices were at their usual best when they performed some local and foreign Christmas choral for the crowd to sing along.

‘Terminator’ hitmaker, King Promise energized the audience which got patrons at the auditorium on their feet to join the popular terminator dance challenge.

There was a surprise act from content creator, Official Starter and his Market Women and the Hosanna hitmaker Banzy Banero.

The word of exaltation was given by Rev. Mrs Rita Sam Korankye Ankrah who admonished Ghanaians to persevere and continue to trust in the Lord to greater blessings.

She said the year 2024 was going to be a good one filled with more blessings and favour and that Ghanaians were to prepare for victory in the coming year.

Ghanaian music icon, Samini closed the night with an incredible performance which had the audience on their feet and had everyone captivated to either sing along or dance the night away.

The night also had DJ Wallpaper who stepped in to ensure the energy of the atmosphere remained vibrant while giving the crowd some old tunes from highlife to hiplife and hip hop.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Young female boxer, Najat Naa Norley Lokko has won the overall best boxer's award at the recently held Besesaka Scholarship Boxing Tournament for juvenile boxers on December 15, 2023.

Najat 14, who is daughter of Coach Carl Lokko CEO of the Bronx Gym performed to the admiration of Boxing fans and won the prestigious title as the best among the young girls and boys.

The skipper of the Besesaka female squad who is about to continue her education at Accra High School hopes to effectively combine education and sports.

She wants to be one of the best female boxers in Africa and the world.

Her dad said everything is possible if one works very hard to achieve the target, so they are serious and want to achieve to make history and inspire others.

The Besesaka Foundation has been supporting young boxers with scholarship and training for the past five years.

The project has benefited many juvenile boxers in James Town whose lifestyles have improved.

According to the celebrated Coach Lawrence Carl Lokko, he is impressed with the performance of Najat who started punching the bags at age 3 and ever ready to support her to reach the highest level in education and sports.

Coach Lokko has four children who are all interested in Boxing.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has announced Nguvu Mining Limited as headline sponsor of the 48th edition of its prestigious awards.

The partnership forms part of Nguvu Mining Limited’s commitment to promote sports in Ghana.

With this partnership, the 48th SWAG Awards would be known as the 48th Nguvu SWAG Awards.

Speaking at the short ceremony, Madam Angela List, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Chair of the Group expressed excitement having partnered with SWAG, organizers of the longest awards scheme in the country.

She said it was important for Nguvu Mining Limited to come on board as headline sponsors to support an association which seeks to honour sports excellence.

“We are very passionate about sports, my first son is a sportsman, and we believe that at Nguvu sportsmanship is very important and if we could apply good sportsmanship to our way of life in terms of integrity and hard work, most businesses will succeed,” she said.

She said the company’s relationship with SWAG had been a healthy one therefore expressed her confidence that the partnership would go a long way to contribute to sports development.

Madam List thanked the leadership of SWAG for their support in making the partnership a fruitful one and added they trusted the integrity of the leadership of SWAG.

Mr. Kwabena Yeboah, President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) extended heartfelt appreciation to Nguvu Mining Limited for their continuous support to the body.

He said SWAG was committed to honoring sportsmen and women who contribute to the growth of various sporting disciplines.

“This is an event that most sportsmen and women look up to and we thank Nguvu for helping to put smiles on the faces of these sports personalities,” he said.

Mr. Kwabena Yeboah said he was hopeful the relationship between SWAG and Nguvu would last for decades.

Present at the ceremony was Madam Rebecca Donkor, Board Member of Adamus Resources Limited, Madam Evelyn Nsiah, Vice President of SWAG, Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, General Secretary of SWAG, Mr Kenneth Odeng Adade, Deputy General Secretary of SWAG, Mrs. Mavis Amanor SWAG’s Women Commissioner, and Mr Augustine Kwabena Bampoe Brenya and EXECUTIVE Member of SWAG.

The 48th Nguvu SWAG Awards is scheduled for 12th January,2024.

Nguvu Mining Limited is the mother body of Adamus Resources Limited, Segala Mining Corporation, Sociètè des mines du Liptako, Northern Ashanti Mines Company and Poura Resources Limited Sarl.

SWAG

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana SWAG, Mr. Kwabena Yeboah and the General Secretary Mr. Charles Osei Asibey have shared ideas on the upcoming 48th nguvu / SWAG Awards with the Vice President of the republic of Ghana.

The grand event is scheduled for January 12 at the Accra international conference center. According to tradition every SWAG Awards event is the best, an improvement upon the previous.

Other executives of SWAG at the meeting with the second most powerful man on the land of Ghana were Vice President. Ms. Evelyn Nsiah Asare, Mr. Ohene Bampoe Brenya, an Executive Member and Deputy General Secretary Ken Odeng Adade.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has for some years sponsored the Best Sports Journalist Award.

He assured of his presence at the biggest sports event to honor distinguished Ghanaian personalities.

As Ghana plans to host the 13th African Games, the SWAG President hopes for positive and balanced reporting of sports activities.

The SWAG Awards will kickoff an exciting year for sports; the African Games in Accra Ghana and the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Also coming up is the African Nations Football Tournament in Côte d'Ivoire. The Black Stars of Ghana are featured.

It will be a busy period for many Sports Journalists.

Some media organizations are also hopeful of hosting conferences, seminars, workshops and conventions in Ghana.

The SWAG President wished all members a prosperous new year.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Senior Manager for Corporate Communications at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu has won two awards at the 3rd Ghanaweb Excellence Awards, Women Edition held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

Georgina was awarded “Excellence in Media and Communications” and “Ghanaweb Special Humanitarian Personality of the Year Award.  The Media and Communications award is in recognition of Georgina’s exceptional contribution in the field of Media and Communications, demonstrating creativity, professionalism and a commitment to advancing communication in Ghana.  Georgina’s selfless dedication to humanitarian causes, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need and exemplifying the spirit of compassion won her the special award as Humanitarian Personality of the Year.

Receiving the awards at the event, Georgina thanked the organizers and those who nominated her for the awards. She said, “To receive awards of this nature is refreshing. I am inspired and encouraged to do more. I wish to use this opportunity to celebrate women who are helping children, other women and also saving humanity.”  

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu is the Senior Manager for Corporate Communications for MTN Ghana where she oversees the execution and implementation of the communications strategies to promote and maintain a positive reputation for MTN Ghana (Scancom Ltd), Mobile Money Ltd, and MTN Ghana Foundation.

She is an accredited Public Relations practitioner and an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana. She has won many awards including PR Discovery of the Year in 2018. She has published two books to her credit titled “The Wish List and From Where I Sit.” She is a blogger and a columnist.

The 3rd Ghanaweb Excellence Awards aim to reward women with influence in various sectors in the competitive space.

Source MTN

Mr. Kwabena Yeboah, President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has advised members to show commitment and dedication towards the Association.

Speaking at the end of year e - meeting to select award winners for the year under review, he said only a few have exhibited real commitment and they would be honoured at the next 48th awards ceremony which comes off at the Accra International Conference Center on January 12, 2024.

He observed that SWAG has in the past rewarded some personalities who did not show any commitment to the Association afterwards, so henceforth, the awards committee and the President will scrutinize who wins the prestigious SWAG Sports Journalist of the year and President’s Award.

Five Top Long Serving Sports Journalists To Be Honoured

For this year, five personalities who have been working hard for over three decades in various sectors of the media such as online, print, television, radio and social media have been considered, they have also specialized in reporting on women sports, boxing, golf and other disciplines.

They are former Vice President Maurice Quansah. former Treasurer Rosalind Koramah Amoh, former Executive Member Barima Otuo Achaeampong of Kumasi, the Ashanti Region, Mr. George Kuntu Blankson of the Western Region and former Deputy General Secretary the one and only Sammy Heywood Okine aka General One.

Over 40 personalities and organisations will be honored at the 48th MTN SWAG Awards.

Meanwhile, many SWAG members are over joyed with the naming of General One due to his passion, dedication, commitment and motivation and inspiration to young sports journalists.

By Elizabeth Alhassan Gyamfi

Maja Media in collaboration with the Wisdom Boxing Promotions are bringing something new to Ghana Boxing as they look set to organize the Nshona Rave Show at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday December 22, 2023.

The event will involve boxing at all levels and categories; juvenile, female performers, amateur stars and rising professionals as well as entertainment featuring some of the best musicians in Accra and the introduction of E-Boxing, which is matchup putting the digital likeness of Muhammed Ali against other boxing legends and icons.

The real-time simulations will feature results based on data modelling to create virtual fights exclusively broadcast realistic, computer-generated digital likeness for global and commercial applications.

According to the organisers of the Nshoa Rave, the programme is going to be held occasionally with the mixing of boxing with music and food.

The 2023 edition will see Tokyo Olympic Bronze Medalist Samuel Takyi in action, as well as Theo Allotey who won Bronze at the 2024 African Olympic Qualifier in Senegal, Wahid Omar and other top boxers from the Wisdom Boxing Club (WBC).

Samson Jarah takes on Benjamin Nii Saka Bulley in a middleweight 6-rounder, Ezekiel Annan faces undefeated Nigerian sensation, Micheal 'AMB' Adesodun.

The show may be won by the juvenile boxers, Prince Larbie, Mohammed Ablorh and Samuel Plange.

Victor Kyerenaten said Nshona Rave is focused on the youth and the rising stars and they also here for the under-dog within the entertainment and sports world.

Nshona Rave Festival will become the premier sports entertainment brand in Ghana. The brand will become a powerful platform for discovering and developing Ghana's young rising stars.

Miss Sarah Lotus Asare said the event starts from 1pm and continues till midnight, she hinted that this year’s Christmas celebrations start with exciting boxing on Friday.

Weigh In and Special Press Conference is on Thursday at the Wisdom Gym in Accra.

Ticket Prices are pegged at 20ghc for Bronze (Standard), Silver is 60ghs, while Gold is 100ghc. Ringside VIP and VVIP reserved tickets are available.

Get Your Tickets Now:

1. Mobile App: You can find your event on Cityloop by eGotickets (mobile app).
2. Your event can also be found on the Hubtel mobile app and Korba Mobile app.
3. You can obtain tickets also at Koala Shopping Centres, Buro Gh and Untamed Empire.
4. Shortcode *713*33*69#
5. Whatsapp: Send #69# to WhatsApp number (23 3)242-426-427 and follow the prompt.

By Sammy Heywood Okine