Kankam Boadu, Rose Yeboah, and Edwin Gadayi win big at 49th SWAG Awards

The 49th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards was a night to remember as some of Ghana’s finest athletes and sports personalities were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s sporting achievements in 2024. Among the honorees were Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa and Edwin Gadayi, who were crowned Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respectively, and Bright Kankam Boadu, who was named Sports Journalist of the Year.
The event showcased the resilience, dedication, and talent of these sports icons, whose achievements have inspired a new generation of athletes while bringing pride to Ghana.

Rose Yeboah’s golden year
Rose Yeboah’s remarkable performance in 2024 solidified her status as Ghana’s top high jumper.
Her crowning achievement came when she clinched a gold medal at the 13th African Games, an accomplishment that also secured her a place at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Yeboah’s consistent excellence on the track and field has not only elevated her profile internationally but has also brought national pride to Ghana.
Her success serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for young athletes, particularly women, who aspire to make their mark in sports.

Edwin Gadayi: Sprinting to success
Sprinter Edwin Gadayi also had a stellar year, with a standout performance in the Confederation of African Athletics Region II Championship 100m final.
While he narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics, Gadayi’s talent and determination earned him widespread admiration.
Gadayi’s journey in the competitive world of athletics underscores the value of perseverance and resilience.
Despite setbacks, his commitment to the sport has made him a respected figure and a source of inspiration for aspiring sprinters across Ghana.

Bright Kankam Boadu: A voice for sports
The spotlight also shone on Bright Kankam Boadu, who was honored as Sports Journalist of the Year.
The former Nhyira FM Head of Sports and current Pure FM Head of Sports emerged victorious in a competitive category that included Fentuo Tahiru, Bill Eshun, Kelvin Owusu Ansah, and Janet Nana Akua Amankwaa.
In his acceptance speech, Boadu highlighted the plight of Ghana’s amputee team, drawing attention to their struggles with unpaid bonuses and the tragic loss of one of their members.
His call for greater support and recognition for athletes facing adversity struck a poignant chord, emphasizing the role of journalism in advocating for the welfare of sportsmen and women.

Celebrating Ghana’s sporting legacy
As the longest-running awards scheme in Ghana, the SWAG Awards continues to honor the contributions of sportsmen and women who bring glory to the nation. ‘
The 49th edition was a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the transformative power of sports.
The achievements of Rose Yeboah, Edwin Gadayi, and Bright Kankam Boadu underscore the importance of hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment.
Their stories serve as an inspiration for the next generation of athletes and professionals, reminding the nation of the unifying power of sports.
With their outstanding performances in 2024, these honorees have not only etched their names in the annals of Ghanaian sports history but also set a high bar for future achievers to aspire to.

List of all award winners

Sports Personality of the Year -Rose Yeboah Amoaniwaa
Footballer of the Year (Male)Year-Abdul Aziz Issah
Home-based Footballer of the Year (Female)-Mukarama Abdulai
Foreign-based Footballer of the Year (Female)-Thelma Baffoe Atuah
Footballer of the Year (Home-based)-Jonathan Sowah – Medeama
Footballer of the Year (Female, Home-based)-Comfort Yeboah – Ampem Darkoa Ladies
Athlete of the Year (Male) -Edwin Gadayi
Athlete of the Year (Female) -Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa
Club of the Year-FC Samartex
National Team Of The Year-Ghana’s Athletics Relay Team
Coach of the Year-Desmond Ofei – Black Satellites
Boxer of the Year-Amadu Mohammed
Beach Soccer Player of the Year-Alexander Adjei
Administrator of the Year-Bawah Fuseini – Ghana Athletics
Posthumous Award-Dr. Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah
Discovery of the Year-Ayisha Aminu
Prospect of the Year-Abdul Aziz Issah
Table Tennis Player of the Year-Israel Aklie
Volleyball Player of the Year-Rashaka Katadat – Ghana Army
Swimmer of the Year-Abeku Jackson
Male Hockey Player of the Year-Benjamin Acquah
Female Club of the Year-Royal Ladies Hockey Club
Students Athlete of the Year-Mariam Yussif
Hockey Player of the Year (Female)-Elizabeth Opoku of GRA Ladies
Referee of the Year-Nii Otoo Larkyne

Cyclist of the Year-Emmanuel Sesi
Taekwando Athlete of the Year-Kelvin Amuzu
Weightlifter of the Year-Winifred Ntumi
Male Puller of the Year-Edward Yamoah Asamoah
Female Puller of the Year-Grace Minta
SWAG President’s Award-James Kwasi Appiah
SWAG Journalist of the Year-Bright Kankam Boadu