By: Isaac Tetteh
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has officially unveiled the nominees for the 49th edition of its prestigious awards, igniting excitement among sports enthusiasts across the nation.
This year, the spotlight is on two remarkable athletes, Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa and Grace Mintah, as they vie for the coveted title of Sports Personality of the Year.
Since its inception in 1975, the SWAG Awards has stood as a beacon of excellence in the Ghanaian sports landscape. The event serves to honour and celebrate the outstanding performances of athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders who have significantly impacted sports development in the country. The 49th edition promises to uphold this tradition, showcasing the dedication and hard work of those who strive for excellence in their respective fields.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Accra International Conference Center on Friday, January 24, 2025, which promises to bring together sports personalities, fans, and dignitaries to celebrate the achievements of Ghana’s finest athletes. This year’s ceremony is expected to be a grand affair, highlighting the resilience and talent of sportsmen and women in the face of challenges.
The nominations for the SWAG Awards not only recognise individual achievements but also inspire younger generations to pursue their dreams in sports. The inclusion of female athletes in the top categories signifies a positive shift towards gender equality in sports, encouraging more women to participate and excel in various disciplines. The recognition of athletes like Amoanimaa and Mintah serves as a reminder of the potential that exists within Ghana’s sports community.
Below is the full list of nominees for the 49th SWAG Awards.
CORPORATE AWARDS
Access Bank
KGL
AFE Lotto
MERITORIOUS AWARD
Mr Ernest Thompson – Football
Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare – 13th African Games
Ernest Danso – CDM, 13th African Games
DEDICATION AND VALOUR
Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah Asare – Cricket
Hannah Akua Humphrey – Taekwondo
Abdul Rasheed Williams (Believer) – Boxing
Mr Joseph Yaw Appiah – Football
Carl Lokko – Pro Boxing Trainer
Alhaji Grunsah – Football Administrator
New Juaben Table Tennis Club
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
Dr Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah
STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
William Amponsah – West Texas A&M University
Mariam Yussif – St Louis Senior High School
Naseera Efua Kwansah – Effutu Senior High School
REFEREE/UMPIRE OF THE YEAR
Nii Otoo Larkyne – Armwrestling
Julien Nunoo – Football
WO1 Clement Smith Danyagri – Athletics
PROSPECT OF THE YEAR
Abdul Aziz Issah – Football
Blessed Abeka Nunoo – Armwrestling
DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR
Jada Yankey – Swimming
Ayisha Aminu – Golf
SPORTS ADMINISTRATOR/PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR
Bernard Quartey – Ghana Boxing Federation
Charles Osei Asibey – Ghana Armwrestling Federation
Bawa Fuseini – Ghana Athletics
SWAG TOP FIVE (5) FEDERATIONS
Ghana Badminton Association
Ghana Hockey Association
Ghana Armwrestling Federation
Ghana Taekwondo Federation
Ghana Athletics
Ghana Swimming Association
Ghana Boxing Federation
Ghana Football Association
NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Black Challenge – Amputee Football
Black Sticks Ladies – Hockey
Black Satellites – Football
Black Princess – Football
Athletics Relay Team
CLUB OF THE YEAR – MALE
FC Samartex – Football
Dreams FC – Football
CLUB OF THE YEAR – FEMALE
Hasaacas Ladies – Football
Royal Ladies – Hockey
BEACH SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alexander Adjei
CYCLIST OF THE YEAR
Emmanuel Sesi – Royal Stars Cycling Club
Victor Cudjoe Akpablu – Gladiators Cycling Club
WEIGHTLIFTER OF THE YEAR
Winnifred Ntumi
TAEKWONDO ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Erica Tuagbor
Kelvin Amuzu
SWIMMER OF THE YEAR
Abeiku Jackson
PULLER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE
Grace Mintah – Ghana Police Service
PULLER OF THE YEAR – MALE
Edward Yamoah Asamoah – Ghana Immigration Service
TABLE TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Israel Aklie
Joanita Borteye
HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR – MALE
Benjamin Acquah – Exchequers Hockey Club
HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE
Elizabeth Opoku – GRA Ladies Hockey Club
Mavis Ampem Darko – Army Ladies Hockey Club
BOXER OF THE YEAR
Amadu Mohammed
Joseph Commey
COACH OF THE YEAR
Yussif Basigi – Black Princesses
Desmond Offei – Black Satellite
Boakye Yiadom – Black Sticks Ladies
Husseini Akuetteh Addy – Golden Arms
Dr Ofori Asare – Black Bombers
Nurudeen Amadu – FC Samartex
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – MALE
Joseph Paul Amoah
Edwin Gadayi
Cadman Evans Yamoah
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – FEMALE
Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa
FEMALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR – HOME BASED
Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah (Ampen Darkoa Ladies)
Grace Banwa (Hasaacas Ladies)
Mukarama Abdulai (Hasaacas Ladies)
FEMALE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR – FOREIGN BASED
Thelma Baffoe Atuah (TP Mazembe)
Salamatu Abdulai (Swieqi United, Malta)
Jennifer Kankam Yeboah (ZED FC, Egypt)
MALE FOTBALLER OF THE YEAR
Emmanuel Keyeke – FC Samartex
Stephen Amankona – Berekum Chelsea
Abdul Aziz Issah – FC Barcelona
SWAG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Grace Mintah – Armwrestling
Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa – Athletics
SWAG PRESIDENT’S AWARD
SWAG LONG SERVICE AWARD – MEDIA
SWAG SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
