The 50th SWAG Awards Gala: A Night to Remember for Ghana's Sporting Legends
A Celebration of Ghana's Sporting Excellence
Last Saturday, the 50th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards gala took center stage, shining a spotlight on the nation's finest sporting icons, both past and present. The golden jubilee edition, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, was a glittering affair, bringing together the country's sporting greats under one roof.
Semenyo and Asare: Stars of the Night
Two of the biggest winners on the night were the Black Stars duo, Antoine Semenyo and Benjamin Asare. Semenyo, the Bournemouth forward, was in top form, clinching the SWAG Male Footballer of the Year (Foreign-Based) award. His consistent performances in the English Premier League earned him this prestigious honor. Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak's goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, captured the SWAG Male Home-Based Footballer of the Year title, showcasing his exceptional skills on the domestic front.
But here's where it gets interesting: both players were absent, as they had traveled with the Black Stars for international friendlies. Their absence, however, didn't diminish their achievements, as their teammates and fans celebrated their success.
A Night for the Queens
The Black Queens also had a memorable evening, with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah taking home two awards. She won the SWAG Female Footballer of the Year (Foreign-Based) and, in a separate category, the SWAG Female Footballer of the Year (Home-Based) for her outstanding 2025 season. It was a double celebration for Chantelle, who has undoubtedly left her mark on Ghanaian football.
Sprinting to Success
Ghana's male 4x100m relay team stole the show, being crowned the National Team of the Year. Their sensational season on the track earned them this well-deserved recognition. Additionally, veteran coach James Kwasi Appiah, known for his work with the Sudan national team, was awarded the Coach of the Year title, solidifying his reputation as a respected technical mastermind.
The Legends Take Center Stage
However, the evening's loudest cheers were reserved for two legendary figures whose names are synonymous with Ghanaian sports: Abedi Ayew Pele and Azumah Nelson. Abedi, a three-time African Footballer of the Year and former Black Stars captain, received a standing ovation as he took to the stage. It was a full 47 years since he first won a SWAG award, and his presence as an Ambassador for the 50th SWAG Awards was a testament to his enduring legacy.
Boxing legend Azumah Nelson, a three-time world champion and member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, was also honored for his unparalleled contribution to the sport. Nelson, known as the 'Boxinghene' (King of Boxing), has received numerous top SWAG honors throughout his illustrious career and remains a national treasure.
Lifetime Achievements and Icons
The SWAG Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to several icons, including former Black Stars captains Asamoah Gyan and André Ayew. They joined Ghana's first world boxing champion, D.K. Poison (David Kotei), Ibrahim Sunday, Dan Owusu, handball stalwart Beresford Amui, and former Hearts of Oak CEO and Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayibonte II, in receiving this distinguished honor. It was a night to celebrate their remarkable contributions to Ghanaian sports.
A Night of Inspiration and Recognition
The landmark ceremony was graced by the Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who served as the Special Guest of Honour. Alongside her were the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, AIPS President Gianni Merlo, and the heads of sports journalists' unions from Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. In her keynote address, the Vice-President emphasized the government's commitment to establishing a School Sports Authority, aiming to oversee sports development from basic to tertiary levels.
The proposed authority will play a crucial role in coordinating inter-school and inter-university competitions, identifying young talents, and addressing infrastructure challenges. The Sports Minister challenged SWAG to lead a new era of sports journalism, one that supports national development and moves away from controversy.
Full List of Winners
- Badminton Player of the Year: Obaponba Adu
- Table Tennis Players of the Year: Emmanuel Kummey & James Marfo (joint winners)
- Wrestler of the Year: Fuseinu Issah
- Hockey Player of the Year: Vivian Nakor
- Para Athlete of the Year: Zirnabu Issah
- Discoveries of the Year: Yayra Akos Agozi (Female), Michael Agyapong Mensah (Male)
- Dedication and Valour Awards: Portia Boakye & Yaw Agyemang
- Referee of the Year: Daniel Laryea
- Club of the Year: Police Ladies FC
- Sport Administrator of the Year: Evans Yeboah
- SWAG Sports Journalist of the Year: Bill Eshun
And this is the part most people miss: the SWAG Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also inspire the next generation of sporting legends. It's a night that reminds us of the power of sports to unite and inspire a nation. So, what do you think? Are these awards an accurate reflection of Ghana's sporting excellence? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
