MTN-SWAG Awards Night To Be Launched Tomorrow

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), will on Wednesday, May 18, launch the 41st MTN-SWAG Awards, at 10:00am, at the head office of MTN-Ghana, Ridge, Accra.

A statement from the Secretariat said, the Association will use the launch to announce details of the 41st MTN-SWAG Awards to be held early next month.

This years event sponsored by Ghana’s number one telecommunication network, MTN, will see sports men and women conferred with honours for their outstanding contribution to their respective sporting disciplines.

In all, about 26 sports men and women drawn from the various sporting disciplines would be honoured on the night.

The launch of the event was originally scheduled for Monday, May 16, but had to be called off due to extreme organisational challenges.

 

The Association however apologised to all affected by the sudden change of date and urged them to participate in the event on Wednesday.

MTN-SWAG Awards Night To Be Launched Tomorrow

MTN-Ghana to headline 41st SWAG Awards

Communication Giants MTN Ghana Limited, will remain the headline sponsors for the 41st Edition of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards night.

This was after a successful meeting with officials of MTN Ghana and the Executive Committee of SWAG.

The 41st MTN-SWAG awards will be held at the Banquet Hall State House, Accra on Saturday, May 28 and it is aimed at conferring honours on spots men and women who excelled in 2015 sporting Calender.

A statement signed by William Dodzi Ezah, General Secretary of SWAG said, the event would remain “MTN-SWAG Awards Night” making it the sixth consecutive year, since the two bodies joined hands in the sponsorship agreement.

According to the statement, the 41st MTN-SWAG Awards would coincide with the 20th Anniversary celebrations of the communication giants as well.

The statement said, MTN-Ghana has over the years been satisfied with their relationship with SWAG, hence the decision to renew the contract after the expiration of the last contract in 2015.

It said, the MTN-SWAG Awards, one of the longest running sports events in the country, would officially be launched on Monday, May 16, at the head office of MTN-Ghana at Ridge.

The headline sponsors, would use the launching to announce their package for the 41st MTN-SWAG Awards, whilst SWAG would also use the occasion to announce to the public details of this years event.

In all 26 sports men and women drawn from the various sporting disciplines would be honoured on the night for their performance in the year 2015.

Below is the list of nominees and award winners; Sports Personality of the Year: Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan, Yusif Basigi, Bashiru Hayford, Footballer of the Year; Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan, Harrison Afful, Premier League Star of the Year

Eric Opoku (Ashgold), Kennedy Ashia (Liberty Pros), Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars), National Team of the Year; Black Queens     – The female national team, Golden Rackets   – National Tennis Team, Coach of the Year; Yusif Basigi (Black Queens, Hasaacas Ladies), Bashiru Hayford (Ashgold), Henry Quansah (Golden Rackets), Professional Boxer of the Year; Richard Commey, Amateur Boxer of the Year; David Bawa, Athlete of the Year (male); John Ampomah, Athelete of the Year (female); Nadia Eke, Para-Athlete of the Year; Patrick Yaw Obeng, Female Hockey Player of the Year; Jonny Botsio, Female Hockey Player of the Year; Nafisatu Umaru, Table Tennis Star of the Year; Felix Lartey, Bernard Joe Sam, Emmanuel Commey, Derrick Abrefa, Judoka of the Year (female); Szandra Szogoli, Judoka of the Year (male); Emmanuel Nartey (All Africa 60kg bronze),

Taekwondo Star of the Year; David Adjetey, Association Chairman/President of the Year; Frederick Otu Lartey of the Ghana Taekwondo Association (GTA), Discovery of the Year; Richard Seklorwu (long jump gold medallist, Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa), Joseph Tindan Kuyon (silver medalist, World Children Taekwondo Culture Festival in South Korea), Most Promising Star: Joel Fameyeh, Dedication and Valour: Stephen Oduro (Asante Kotoko), Lifetime Achievement Award: Sophia Okulley (women’s football), The Special Awards; Asamoah Gyan (sports philanthropy), Eben Annang Whyte (development of table tennis) and Police Women’s Hockey team (silver medalist, African Clubs Championship).

MTN-Ghana to headline 41st SWAG Awards

SWAG calls on Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Youth and Culture

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) on Thursday, held a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture at Parliament House, in Accra.

The meeting was aimed at discussing major issues confronting the development and promotion of sports in the country.

It also focused on how best the Association can help in policy fomulation and infuence on sports in the country.

The SWAG delegation was led by Kwabena Yeboah – President with William Ezah – General Secretary, Thomas Boakye-Agyemang – Deputy General Secretary and Charles Osei Asibey – Executive Member.

Honourable Kobina Woyome – Chairman of the Commitee congratulated the Association for taking the initiative and urged SWAG to continue with the relationship.

“Such meetings and collaborations will help resolve the numerous challenges confronting the nation in Sports.

“We can resolve not only problems in sports but also in the area of sports journalism, which plays a key role in Ghana’s sports industry.” Hon. Woyome stated.

SWAG calls on Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Youth and Culture

Asking Raji To Resign Is An Overkill - Swag Boss

Is been almost a week since Alhaji Raji, President of the Ghana League Clubs Association allegedly passed discriminatory comments about Aduana Stars during the G-6 tournament in Sekondi, but it seems has still not found home in the minds of people in the country.

The president has received threats to relinquish his position or face the wrath of clubs in the Brong Ahafo region.

Former GHALCA boss J.Y Appiah described his successor a ‘villager’ and called on on all clubs in the region to withdraw their GHALCA membership.

Whereas Berekum Chelsea took the lead to suspend their membership, Techiman City says it is illegal to accept J.Y Appiah’s request because the comments made were the opinion of an individual and not the body, and asked for an unqualified apology.

Alhaji Raji denied making disparaging remarks but he, however apologized.

But many insist he should resign and Kwabena Yeboah says calls for him to leave his post is an overkill.

“I quite agree with the position of clubs from the Brong Ahafo region because everyone areas you don’t touch. He you touch on their sensibilities,”the ace commentator told Accra-based Atinka FM.

“I don’t think it is right to call any one a villager in a derogatory manner but to push it to the extent that he should resign is too extreme for me.”

Ghalca distanced themselves from Alhaji’s alleged comments and described them as unfortunate.

Asking Raji To Resign Is An Overkill - Swag Boss

SWAG Prez shields players from media backlash after G6 Tournament

President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Kwabena Yeboah has pleaded with Ghanaians not to judge the quality of the home based players by the just ended G6 tournament.

The seasoned journalist admitted to the indifferent form of some of the players who featured in the off season tourney but was quick to cite the uncertain training schedule as a binding factor.

Reigning FCPPL champions Ashgold and FA Cup holders Medeama SC endured torrid times in the inaugural edition of the tournament as they crushed out without winning any match.

The SWAG president urged the football family not to descend on the players just by using the G6 as a barometer.

Known as “The Writer” in the football circles, Kwabena Yeboah highlighted on the individual brilliance of some of the players as the positives to feast on.

He cited uncertain training regime as the cause of the poor form from these players during the four day soccer festival.

“Some of the players were absolutely brilliant but a few were a bit rusty. Collectively a number of the teams didn’t do that well. I am not here to be critical of those teams since they did not know when the season was going to start I guess the coaches themselves are confused as to how to prepare their teams.” The SWAG Boss revealed

The veteran sports journalist then urged the football family not to be deceived by the form of the players during the just ended G6 gathering.

“It is difficult to use the G6 to assess most of the teams and I do hope that once the FA announces a firm date for the commencement of the league most of the teams will put their acts together.” He concluded.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko stormed to the G6 title with their impressive performances after a heavy win in the opening fixture against Berekum Chelsea at the Essipong stadium.

SWAG Prez shields players from media backlash after G6 Tournament

SWAG Awards fixed for May 28, 2016

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has said the 41st edition of the MTN-SWAG Awards will be held on May 28, at the Banquet Hall State House, Accra.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, Mr. Kwabena Yeboah President of SWAG said unlike previous years when the event was held deep in the year, they have resolved to organised it by close of May 2016.

He said this will make the event much more current and relevant as the nominees will remain fresh in the minds of the people.

He said, the Association will ensure the necessary measures are put in place to ensure they stick to the timeline given.

Mr. Yeboah also noted that, plans are place to organised the 2016 event in December this years as the measure to align the calendar with the trend of the event.

Mr Yeboah announced nominees for the 41st event with Andre Ayew, Bashiru Hayford, Yussif Bassigi and Asamoah Gyan seeking honours in the most prestigious Sports Personality of the Year Award.

SWAG Awards fixed for May 28, 2016

PRESS RELEASE: SWAG release list of Award Winners for 2015

Sports Personality of the Year:

1. Andre Ayew

2. Asamoah Gyan

3. Yusif Basigi

4. Bashiru Hayford

Footballer of the Year (male):

1. Andre Ayew

2. Asamoah Gyan

3. Harrison Afful

Footballer of the Year (female):

1. Portia Boakye

2. Samira Sulemana

3. Janet Egyiri

Premier League Star:

1. Eric Opoku (Ahsgold)

2. Kennedy Ashia (Liberty Pros)

3. Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars)

National Team of the Year:

1. Black Queens

2. George Darko/ Wisdom Narh Adjrago (All Africa Games Gold medal-winning tennis duo)

Coach of the Year:

1. Yusif Basigi (Black Queens, Hasaacas Ladies)

2. Bashiru Hayford (Ashgold)

3. Henry Quansah (Golden Rackets)

Pro Boxer of the Year:

Richard Commey

Amateur Boxer of the Year:

David Bawa (heavyweight bronze medallist at All Africa Games)

Athlete of the Year (male):

John Ampomah (javelin silver medallist at All Africa Games, two national records and consistency in 2015)

Athlete of the Year (female):

Nadia Eke (All Africa Games triple jump bronze medallist, new national record)

Para Athlete of the Year:

Patrick Yaw Obeng (1,500m & 800m bronze in T54 category)

Hockey Player of the Year (male):

Johnny Botsio

Hockey Player of the Year (female):

Nafisatu Umaru

Table Tennis Star of the Year:

Felix Lartey, Bernard Joesam, Emmanuel Commey, Derrick Abrefa (All Africa Games team bronze)

Judo Star of the Year (female):

Szandra Szogoli (All Africa Games 63kg bronze)

Judo Star of the Year (male):

Emmanuel Nartey (All Africa 60kg bronze)

Taekwondo Star of the Year:

David Adjetey (84kg silver medallist)

Association Chairman of the Year:

Frederick Otu Lartey (Taekwondo Association)

Discovery of the Year: (joint)

Richard Seklorwu (long jump gold medallist, Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa)

Joseph Tindan Kuyon (silver medallist, World Children Taekwondo Culture Festival in South Korea)

Most Promising Star:

Joel Fameyeh (Asokwa Deportivo/Local Black Stars — 36 goals in 34 games in DOL)

Dedication and Valour:

Stephen Oduro (Asante Kotoko)

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Sophia Okulley (women’s football)

C.K. Gyamfi (posthumous)

Special Awards:

Asamoah Gyan (sports philanthropy)

Eben Annang Whyte (development of table tennis)

Police Women’s Hockey team (bronze medallist, African Clubs Championship)

PRESS RELEASE: SWAG release list of Award Winners for 2015