SWAG calls for truce in GOC saga

Accra, Dec. 20, GNA - The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has called for truce in the ongoing feud at the front of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).

Speaking at the 34th Glo SWAG Awards Night at the Banquet Hall, Accra, Ackah Anthony, President of SWAG said the two parties must cease fire and return to the negotiating table to chart the way forward for the good of the sport.

"We must bear in mind that accusations and counter accusations will not help matters but diplomacy and thorough negotiations are the only way forward, hence the passionate appeal to the parties involved to consider the interest of Ghana first.

"We believe all the feuding parties have the interest of Ghana sports at heart and will not in any way make a deliberate attempt to run down sports in the country". He stated.

Mr Anthony said SWAG as an institution and of course one of the oldest in Ghana, is very worried over the situation taking into the consideration the harm it is causing to sports in the country, adding that the situation is likely to cast a slur on the international image of the country not just on the sporting scene but social, political and economic fronts as well.

According to the President, the Association is aware of the road map initiated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the total resolution of the matter and the determination of the Minister of Youth and Sports to find a lasting solution to the problem, saying "we have no cause to doubt that tonight will mark the beginning of the end of the problem". The SWAG President in his comment on the event, said despite the delay, it has attracted a huge public interest, which is a clear indication of the fact that the "SWAG Awards" is very much cherished and adored by sports men and women.

Mr Anthony said it is the only platform which takes care of all sporting disciplines and called on individuals and corporate bodies to consider assisting the Association in its quest to promote sporting excellence in the country by sponsoring the event in future. Ntombizondwa Lallie, South Africa High Commissioner to Ghana who was the Special Guest of Honour commended the Association for creating the platform to honour distinguished sports men and women.

She noted that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be the greatest opportunity for an African country to win the ultimate Cup for the first time, adding that Ghana has made this dream possible by winning the 2009 World Youth Championship in Egypt this year.

According to Madam Ntombizondwa, South African is ready to host the rest of the world next year and called on all to support them in their quest to stage a successful World Cup.

She also called on the corporate bodies to support the activities of SWAG.

Nii Nortey Dua, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports also commended the Association for sustaining the Awards Day for the past 34 years. He said the recent success of the Black Stars, the Black Satellites and hosting of the Africa Hockey Cup for Nations are clear indications of the growing strides in sports by Ghana.

The Deputy Minister said even though the coming year will be a challenging one for the nation in sports, he is confident Ghana will chalk more successes in many fields. 20 Dec. 09