Ghana and Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus, has been adjudged the Sports Personality of the Year at the 47th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards held in Accra on Saturday.
The enterprising forward who was the toast of Ghanaian fans following his standout performance with the Black Stars at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, beat competition from athlete Joseph Paul Amoah and amateur boxer Abraham Mensah for the topmost award on the night.
award
He was also named the Male Footballer of the Year (foreign), after his sterling performance with Ajax in the Netherlands Eredivisie.
The event aimed at celebrating and acknowledging gallant sportsmen and women for their efforts in the year (2022) attracted distinguished personalities including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, the Inspector General of Police(IGP), Mr Kofi Dampare, former Minister of State, Mr Joe Aggrey and Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Prof. Peter Twumasia.
The rest were the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr Kurt Okraku, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of Accra 2023 Africa Games, Dr Kweku Ofosu Asare, the Mayor of Accra, Ms Elizabeth Tawiah Sackey, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN, Mr Selorm Adadevoh and the CEO of Adamus Resources, Ms Angela List.
The Paramount Chief of the Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area (Assin Kushea), Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, was the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the guests, he commended Kudus and other winners for their efforts in making the nation proud in the midst of difficulties faced by Ghanaian sportsmen and women.
He said, Ghanaian athletes deserved huge commendations as they strive to excel despite the lack of infrastructure as compared to other developed countries.
“We are not investing enough in our sports to ensure that athletes get the necessary resources to excel in competitions,” he stated.
He said, it was important to provide the platforms and opportunities to the talented youth to explore their potentials to the fullest.
“The benefits of sports can only be obtained if we do the proper investments. Let us ensure we promote and unearth the talents of our youth to make the nation proud,” he stated.
Hearts of Oak and Black Galaxies skipper, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh was the Male Footballer of the Year (local) award with the female version going to Ophelia Serwaa Amposah.
The Male and Female Athletes of the Year awards went to Joseph Paul Amoah and Deborah Acquah, respectively.
Ms Juliet Bawuah grabbed the SWAG Journalist of the Year award while the association also acknowledged the efforts of veteran writer Ackah Anthony and current General Secretary, Mr Charles Osei Asibey, for their contributions toward sports development in the country.
SWAG also awarded the Badminton Player of the Year to Alphous Kelvin; Chess Player of the Year to Dr Kwabena Adu Poku; Volleyball Player of the Year to Rashaka Katadat; Swimmer of the Year to Abeiku Jacksona and Table Tennis Player of the Year to Isreal Akili.
The Tennis Player of the Year went to Samuel Osei Agbesi Antwi; Cricketer of the Year to Samson Awiah Awuh; Cyclist of the Year award to Anthony Boakye Dankwah; Golfer of the Year award to Kojo Banni; Female Hockey Player of the Year award to Adizatu Sulemana; Armwrestler of the Year award to Grace Mintah and the Para Athlete of the Year award to Patricia Nyametse.
The Discovery of the Year award was received by Rapheal Nii Ankrah; Amateur Boxer of the Year award to Abraham Mensah; Coach of the Year award to Joe Nana Adarkwa and Special and Meritorious awards to veteran administrator Ashford Tetteh Oku, Rex Brobbey, Kingsley Owusu Achiaw, Danny List and Christine Ashley.
Special Awards were presented for companies and individuals for their support towards sports development. They were, Captain One Golf Society, One-on-One Foundation, Right to Dream, Tennis Foundation, SES HD Ghana and the IMax Media Group.
Former Black Stars players, Nii Dodoo Ankrah (Magic Hands) and Emmanuel Awuley Quaye Snr received the Life Time Achievement awards.
The SWAG Top Five Associations were Ghana Athletics Association, Ghana Armwrestling, Ghana Boxing Federation, Ghana Boxing Authority and Ghana Cycling Federation
BY MICHAEL D.ABAYATEYE
