Accra: The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has revealed the nominees and top performers for the 50th edition of its prestigious annual SWAG Awards. The Golden Jubilee event is set to be a significant celebration, honoring remarkable sports performers and personalities across various categories for the year under review, alongside global sports icons.
According to Ghana News Agency, the SWAG Awards have established themselves as a benchmark for excellence within Ghanaian sports, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions to the country’s sporting landscape. This year’s event will see a number of personalities being honored as 50th Anniversary Ambassadors, including Margaret Simpson (Athletics), Azumah Nelson (Boxing), Abedi Ayew Pele (Football), Michael Essien (Football), Kwadwo Asamoah (Football), Stephen Appiah (Football), Samuel Osei Kufour (Football), Adwoa Bayor, and Alberta Sackey (Football).
The nomination process for the awards was rigorous, with a team of experienced sports enthusiasts and experts carefully selecting the top contenders. The SWAG Awards have a rich history of acknowledging and celebrating excellence in Ghanaian sports. Over the years, the awards have honored numerous sports personalities, including athletes, coaches, and administrators, who have made significant contributions to the country’s sporting landscape.
The nominees for the 50th edition include a diverse group of athletes and sports figures. For Coach of the Year, nominees are Frimpong Manso from Gold Stars and James Kwesi Appiah from Sudan. Referee/Umpire of the Year nominees include Daniel Laryea (Football), Francis Yeboah (Badminton), and Clement Smith (Athletics).
The National Team of the Year category features the Black Queens, National Badminton Doubles Team, Golden Arms, and Black Cranes. In the Club of the Year category, nominees include Police Ladies, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Faith Ladies, and Bibiani Gold Stars.
SWAG Top 5 Federations nominees are Ghana Athletics, Ghana Armwrestling Federation, Ghana Badminton, Ghana Weightlifting Federation, Ghana Cricket Association, and Ghana Rugby Football Union. Athlete of the Year nominee is Abdul Rasheed Saminu.
Boxer of the Year contenders are Gideon Pappoe, George Dowuona, and Mathias Ashittey. The Weightlifter of the Year is Emmanuel Amo Boateng. Footballer of the Year – Male (Foreign Based) nominees are Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), and Kudus Mohammed (Tottenham Hotspurs).
In the Footballer of the Year – Female (Foreign Based) category, nominees are Grace Asantewaa (FC Juarez) and Chantelle Boye Hlorkah (Nottingham Forest). Footballer of the Year – Male (Home Based) nominees include Stephen Amankona (Berekum Chelsea), Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), and Razak Simpson (Nations FC).
Footballer of the Year – Female (Local Based) nominee is Comfort Yeboah from Ampem Darkoa FC. Student Athlete of the Year nominees are Phillip Tetteh Odjer (Athletics) for Male and Moslina Adu (Badminton) for Female. Discovery of the Year nominees are Yayra Akos Agozi (Weightlifting) for Female and Michael Agyapong Mensah (Table Tennis) for Male.
Swimmer of the Year nominee is Josel Mensah, while Badminton Player of the Year is Obaponba Adu Minta. Puller of the Year is Mabel Yeboah, and Para-Athlete of the Year is Zainabu Issah (Para-Athletics). Meritorious Award recipients are Moses Adu (Badminton) and Husseini Akueteh Addy (Armwrestling).
Dedication and Valour awards go to Portia Boakye (Football) and Yaw Agyeman (Amando) (Athletics). SWAG Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Brestford Amui (Horse Racing/Administrator), Asamoah Gyan (Football), Andre Dede Ayew (Football), and Anthony Yeboah (Football). Sports Administrator of the Year is Evans Kojo Yeboah (Badminton).
Table Tennis Player of the Year award goes to Emmanuel Commey/James Marfo, and the SWAG President’s Award is presented to Mr. Henry Arko. The 50th Anniversary Ambassadors are Margaret Simpson (Athletics), Azumah Nelson (Boxing), Abedi Ayew Pele (Football – Ligue 1), Michael Essien (Football – EPL), Kwadwo Asamoah/Stephen Appiah (Football – Serie A), Samuel Osei Kufour (Football – Bundesliga), Adwoa Bayor, and Alberta Sackey (Women’s Football).