Coach Carl Lokko and boxer of the year Richard Commey are unhappy that the 40th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards ceremony has been postponed to a later date.
The two sports personalities who have made Ghana proud since last year in the boxing ring said the SWAG Awards night could have been a very nice place and occasion to reach out to the sports fraternity, namely sports sponsors and personalities to showcase themselves on a larger platform.
According to coach Lokko, many do not trust or believe his exploits, but he is proving that when he is offered the opportunity and has a very durable and disciplined boxer, they can make it to the top.
He said the SWAG Awards is a large platform that can inspire and motivate his ward to reach bigger and greater heights like his mentor, Professor Azumah Nelson, who was for many years the best boxer in Ghana and best sports personality.
Lokko said his ward decided to come home for other assignments like the SWAG Awards, but since it has been postponed, they have to wait for the time, however he could not tell whether it could affect his programmes.
The rising best boxing brain noted that fighting for the first time in the USA was an experience he cannot forget and the hope to go back for training to adapt and win the world title itself.
The Commonwealth Lightweight champion moved a step up in the world ratings to seventh position and recently won the IBF Inter Continental title which will push him further up.
He achieved the great feat after stopping USA based Uzbekistan boxer, Bahodir Mamadjonov in their scheduled 10-rounder in Las Vegas.
The SWAG Award ceremony had to be postponed by the Patrons of the sports media in Ghana after the elections were cancelled due to false allegations made against some executive members.
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) came out with its 2014 Awards nominees as Footballer of The Year (a) Asamoah Gyan (b) Andre Dede Ayew (c) Harrison Afful - For their exploits on the international scene for Ghana. Premiership Player of the Year (a) Abeiku Ainooson (b) Kwabena Edusei (c) Augustine Okrah – For their outstanding performance on the local scene and for the local Black Stars
Discovery of the Year Martha Bissah – For winning Gold medal at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Beijing, China.
Promising Star of the Year Sharon Akwei (Para Tae-kwondo) – For winning bronze medal at the World Para-Taekwondo Championship in Russia.
Female Footballer of the Year Jennifer Cudjoe – The most outstanding female footballer in the year.
Amateur Boxer of the Year Umar Abdul Walid – For winning bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Professional Boxer of the Year Richard Commey – For winning Commonwealth Lightweight Title in 2014
Judoka Of the Year Razak Abugri – For winning bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Tae-Kwondo Player of the Year Sharon Akwei – For winning bronze medal at the World Para-Taekwondo Championship in Russia.
Hockey Player of the Year Elizabeth Opoku – The most outstanding hockey player on both local and international scene.
Cricket Player of the year – Obed Harvey – Outstanding Performance at International Level
Athlete of the Year Martha Bissah– For winning Gold medal at the 2014 Youth Olympics.
Coach of the Year Isaac Nii Odartey Lamptey - Trainer of Martha Bissah- (The Golden Girl) Africa Youth Championship Bronze medal and Gold medal at 2014 Youth Olympics
Club of the Year - Kumasi Asante Kotoko : For winning and defending League and FA Cup competitions.
Dedication & Valour Ali Jaarah - Commitment to the development of amputee football and football in General, Managing a Goal Keepers Academy and a football club, Gunners FC despite his challenges.
Referee of the Year J.O. Lamptey (Football) – the most consistent Ghanaian referee on the international scene.
SPECIAL AWARDS
(a) Edmund Zankoh – Contribution to the development and promotion of hockey in Ghana.
(b) Anthony Baffoe- Contribution to the development of football, esp. at the World Cup Brazil 2014
(c) Magnus Rex Danquah – Contribution to the development of sports in Ghana
(d)Akolya Pattel – Contribution to the development and promotion of cricket in Ghana
Corporate Awards
(a) McDan Ghana Limited – Contribution to the development and promotion of Tennis in Ghana
(b) UniBank Ghana Limited – Contribution to the development of football in Ghana, esp the Black Stars.
(c) Dwadifo Adanfo – Contribution to the development of hockey in Ghana.