British High Commissioner chides sports writers
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Jon Benjamin, last Saturday chided members of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for keeping mute over what he called sensitive subjects which have been kept underground in the profession, thereby preventing honest reporting.
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The outspoken diplomat mentioned age and name falsification in sports in general and football in particular, corruption in sports administration, match-fixing, influence from higher authorities, bias reportage and giving prominence to football-related stories at the expense of other sports, among others, as major issues which had been ignored over the years.
Mr Benjamin, who was the special guest at the 41st MTN-SWAG awards held at the Banquet Hall of the State House last Saturday, said “sports writing plays a vital role in Ghanaian journalism and Sports Journalism.”
The President of SWAG, Mr Kwabena Yeboah, paid glowing tribute to the late world’s greatest boxer, Mohammad Ali, and also expressed his profound gratitude to the title sponsors of the event, MTN Ghana, as well as Activa International, CDH Holdings, Goil, ATL, TT Brothers Limited, National Lotteries Authority and Data Bank for their support.
Black Stars and Swansea City midfielder, Andre Dede Ayew, beat his national teammates Asamoah Gyan and Harrison Afful to grab the Footballer of The Year as well as the Sports Personality of The Year awards.
Black Queens and Hasaacas Ladies coach, Yusif Basigi, received the coach of the Year award while the Female footballer of the Year went to Portia Boakye of Black Queens fame.
The Premier League Star of the Year award went to Eric Opoku of Ashantigold with Richard Commey (Professional Boxing Coach of The Year), David Bawa (Amateur Boxer of The Year), John Ampomah (Male Athlete of The Year), Nadia Eke ( Female Athlete of The Year), Patrick Yaw Obeng (Para-Athlete of The Year), Jonny Botsio (Male Hockey Player of The Year), Nafisatu Umaru (Female Hockey Player of The Year), Szandra Szogoli (Female Judoka of The Year), Emmanuel Nartey (Male Judoka of The Year) David Adjetey and ( Taekwando Star of The Year) all coming up as some of the award winners.
Table Tennis Stars Felix Lartey, Bernard Joe Sam, Emmanuel Commey and Derrick Abrefa were also recognised with the female national team, Black Queens, and the national tennis team, Golden Rackets, taking home the National Teams of the Year awards.
Dedication and Valour award went to Stephen Oduro of Asante Kotoko fame, Most Promising Star award, Joel Fameyeh while Richard Seklorwu and Joseph Tindan Kuyon were adjudged The Discovery of The Year. For his contribution to the profession, veteran Nana Ampomah was also presented with a special SWAG award on the night.
Asamoah Gyan and Eben Annang Whyte were given special awards for their contribution towards sports development while the Police Women’s Hockey team also picked one for winning silver medal at the African Club Championship tournament.