By Rachel Kakraba
The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has unveiled a portrait to honour and celebrate one of its own for his immense contribution to the corporation and the country at large.
Born as Joachim Awuley Lartey, otherwise known as “Over To You Joe Lartey”, the renowned Ghanaian football commentator and journalist, who worked with the Corporation was phenomenal to the development of sports in the country. With his iconic voice and descriptive tone of events, sports journalism was redefined through his high level of professionalism.
Rachel Kakraba has more in the following report on the legendary and celebrated sportscaster who was the first president of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG).
Joachim Awuley Lartey, famously known as ‘Over To You Joe Lartey’, joined the GBC in 1961 following a recommendation from an old schoolmate from the Accra Academy.
At GBC he moved from the Talks and Features division to the Sports division. He later wrote scripts on sports fused with politics. With a career spanning many decades, Mr. Lartey was the Chief Commentator when Ghana first hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1963 and was also Commentator at subsequent AFCON tournaments and other competitions across the world.
For many years, he was the most recognisable voice in Ghana football’s First Division (later Premier League) until he retired. His aide Evans Adu-Gyamfi shares some of the things probably not known by many about the man Joe Lartey.
Famously known as “Over to “You, Joe Lartey” during his illustrious years with the corporation, the GBC recognised Mr. Lartey for his exploits.
For sports commentator and host of GBC Sports Highlights, Kwabena Yeboah, Mr. Lartey exuded so much energy in his craft. He made history in the fraternity, and it was a rare honour to be associated with him.
Honoring Joe Lartey, the LEGEND
Two people who learnt a great deal from Joe Lartey, Mr. Kwabena Yeboah of @mygtvsports and Prince Joe Lartey Jr shared their personal experiences and stories.#GTVBreakfast pic.twitter.com/TRrMvjmyxO
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) January 9, 2023
Mr. Lartey was at a point emotional about the recognition. He shared some concerns with the Director General, Prof. Amin Alhassan.
A nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for, and it’s the hope this recognition will inspire others to do more for the country. Over to You Joe Lartey.
