Executives of SWAG advised to eschew complacency

Accra, Jan 13, GNA - Joe Lartey, the First President of the Sports Writers association of Ghana (SWAG) has advised the newly-sworn in executive officers of the association to eschew complacency in their quest to develop a better image for the association.

He said this would be one of the ways the executives will pay back for the confidence reposed in them by the Patrons.


Joe Lartey said this on Friday when he inducted the newly elected seven- member executive team of the Association into office in Accra under the distinguished patronage of the Board of Patrons. The new executives who will steer the affairs of the association for the next four years are Mr. Ackah Anthony (Graphic Sports) 96 President, Christian Abbew (Ghanaian Times) 96 Vice President, Richard Avornyotse (Ghana News Agency) 96 Secretary, William Ezah (Ghana News Agency) 96 Assistant Secretary, Veronica Commey (Ghana News Agency) 96 Treasurer with Emmanuel Amponsah (Ghanaian Times) and George Lawson (Ghana Broadcasting Corporation) as Executive Members.


Mr. Ackah, the newly elected President in an acceptance speech, said that his team is considering broadening the membership base of the association by forging the necessary linkages with other groups of sports writers including practitioners in the electronic establishments. He said that they have spelt out a priority of establishing cordial relationship with all Journalism and Communication Schools to encourage up and coming sports journalists to take up the profession.


"The new executive intends to further sponsor special awards for students who excel in Sports journalism in such institutions." The newly-elected President said that the team will also focus on creating and nurturing new enthusiastic, vibrant and quality young journalists who will continually be the source for replacement of the aging practitioners to constantly rejuvenate and energize the Association.


Mr Ackah promised that his team will operate an open and transparent administration that will account for every amount that comes into their coffers.

"We shall keep our books very tidy and well above suspicion or any doubts, and periodically avail ourselves to scrutiny at the beck and call of members."


Mr. Amarkai Amarteifio, a Patron who chaired the ceremony, urged the new executives to use the opportunity afforded them to demonstrate high level of unity and solidarity in the affairs SWAG. He encouraged them to d o more to keep the reputation of the association intact.


Prince Ernest Oduro=96Mensah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Sports Council (NSC) urged sports journalists to help to give equal level of reportage to all sporting disciplines. He said such an information flow will help promote the sports disciplines which are considered as lesser known sports.


Ebo Quansah, the outgoing President on behalf of his team pledged the support of the old executives anytime they are called upon. Mr. Walter Esposito, the Chief Patron of SWAG assured the new executives of the support of the Board of Patrons, adding that their doors are always open for any consultations and assistance. Other members of the Board of Patrons present at the function were Mr. Ray Quarcoo, Nana Oheneba Charles, Mr. Kwame Ofosu-Bamfo (Sikkens) and Mr. E.T. Quarshie as well as other media personnel.