Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane
Opoku-Agyemang, used the 50th SWAG Awards in Accra to unveil a landmark
initiative for the country’s sporting future: the creation of a School Sports
Authority. The body will oversee talent development from basic schools through
universities, organising inter-school and inter-university competitions and
establishing a structured pathway for nurturing young athletes.
The announcement is part of broader reforms under
President John Dramani Mahama aimed at strengthening grassroots sports in
Ghana. Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted additional measures, including a Fixed
Asset Coordinating Unit within the National Sports Authority to address
long-standing infrastructure challenges, and a new e-ticketing system designed
to curb revenue leakages at national stadia.
Honoured with a special plaque for her leadership, the
Vice President applauded the athletes and administrators who made the evening
memorable.
Among the award winners, Antoine Semenyo and Benjamin
Asare claimed the Male Footballer of the Year awards for foreign-based and
home-based players respectively, while UDS was named Football Personality of
the Year after a standout season.
Other major accolades went to Obaponba Adu
(Badminton), Fuseinu Issah (Wrestling), Vivian Nakor (Hockey), Zirnabu Issah
(Para Athletics), and emerging stars Yayra Akos Agozi and Michael Agyapong
Mensah. Dedication and Valour awards were presented to Portia Boakye and Yaw
Agyemang.
Lifetime achievement honours celebrated Ghanaian
football icons including Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, Stephen Appiah, Anthony
Yeboah, and Barisford. Evans Yeboah was named Sport Administrator of the Year,
while Bill Eshun took home Sports Journalist of the Year.
The 50th SWAG Awards marked a golden jubilee of
celebrating Ghana’s sporting excellence while highlighting plans to foster the
next generation of athletes.
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