Opoku-Agyemang hails SWAG at 50, announces plans for national school sports authority

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has applauded the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for documenting five decades of the nation’s sporting evolution, celebrating the achievements and defining moments that have shaped Ghana’s athletic identity.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee edition of the SWAG Awards in Accra, the Vice President described the anniversary as a call to reflect on Ghana’s journey and build a more structured and well-resourced future for sports development.

She stressed that Ghana is rich in talent but needs consistent investment and strong systems to help athletes rise from grassroots to global excellence.

She announced government plans to establish a dedicated school sports authority to manage athletics from basic to tertiary levels. The new body will coordinate inter-school and inter-university competitions, strengthen talent identification programmes and build pathways for young athletes.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said success on the track begins with the right preparatory structures, from infrastructure and policy to funding, and cited President John Mahama’s ongoing efforts to revitalise grassroots sports through community programmes, academies and talent discovery systems.

SWAG President Kwabena Yeboah reflected on the association’s 50-year journey, honouring its pioneers and departed members, including Ackah Anthony and Ebo Quansah. He highlighted the financial difficulty of organising the annual awards and appealed for government support to sustain the event.

He also congratulated the Opoku-Agyemang hails SWAG at 50, announces plans for national school sports authority, Black Queens and other national teams for their recent achievements.

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams urged sports journalists to uphold accuracy, balance and fairness, warning that poor reporting harms reputations, undermines sponsorships and derails progress.

AIPS President Gianni Merlo commended SWAG’s impact and applauded young Ghanaian journalists excelling internationally, encouraging the association to further support emerging talent.