Full List of SWAG Sports Personalities from 1974 to 2024
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has been recognising and celebrating the achievements of outstanding sportsmen and women since its establishment in 1974. This initiative, which has spanned five decades, highlights the contributions of exceptional athletes across various disciplines.
The compilation of these honourees, meticulously assembled by Sammy Heywood Okine, also known as General One, a former Deputy General Secretary of SWAG, serves as a testament to Ghana’s rich sporting history.
Among the most celebrated recipients is Professor Azumah Nelson, the former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion, who holds the record for the most awards. Nelson’s dominance in the ring, coupled with his long reign as a world champion, earned him this distinction. Other notable multiple awardees include Ike “Bazooka” Quartey, a former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion, and Ignatius Gaisah, a world-renowned long jumper, who each won the accolade three times.
SWAG Sports Personalities by Year
1974 – D.K. Poison – Boxer
1975 – D.K. Poison – Boxer
1976 – Nil
1977 – Richard ‘Scorpion’ Ofosu – Boxer
1978 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1979 – Nil
1980 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1981 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1982 – Nil
1983 – Nil
1984 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1985 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1986 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1987 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1988 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1989 – Nana Yaw Konadu – Boxer
1990 – Abedi Pele Ayew – Football
1991 – The Black Starlets – Football
1992 – Anthony Yeboah – Football
1993 – Abedi Pele Ayew and Anthony Yeboah – Football
1994 – Ike Quartey – Boxer
1995 – Azumah Nelson – Boxer
1996 – Ike Quartey – Boxer
1997 – Ike Quartey – Boxer
1998 – Raymond Narh – Boxer
1999 – Leo Myles Mills – Athletics
2000 – Nil
2001 – Samuel Osei Kuffour – Football
2002 – Margaret Simpson – Athletics
2003 – Ignatius Gaisah – Athletics
2004 – Ignatius Gaisah – Athletics
2005 – Ignatius Gaisah – Athletics
2006 – Stephen Appiah – Football
2007 – Joseph Agbeko – Boxer
2008 – Joshua Clottey – Boxer
2009 – Dominic Adiyiah – Football
2010 – Asamoah Gyan – Football
2011 – Ajara Mohammed – Football
2012 – Kwadwo Asamoah – Football
2013 – James Kwesi Appiah – Football
2014 – Juliana Arkoh – Weightlifter
2015 – Andre Ayew – Football
2016 – Anthony Baffoe – Football
2017 – Isaac Dogboe – Boxer
2018 – Thomas Partey – Football
2019 – Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe – Para Athlete
2020 – Nil
2021 – Samuel Takyi – Boxing
2022 – Mohammed Kudus – Football
2023 – Mohammed Kudus – Football
2024 – Rose Yeboah Amoanimaa – AthleticsÂ
This comprehensive list reflects the depth and diversity of talent in Ghanaian sports, underscoring the nation’s commitment to excellence in athletics. As the tradition continues, anticipation builds for the announcement of the 2024 recipient, who will join this illustrious lineup of legends.