Ghana continues to record success in sports, but football arguably puts the nation of the sporting radar. And again, football tops the nominees list when the country’s sporting media celebrates its 32nd awards event next month.
Black Stars trio, Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and John Mensah are in the hunt again to grab awards from different categories when awards are conferred athletes for the 2006.
The annual Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) awards event to be staged in the capital, Accra, has Stephen Appiah and his deputy, John Mensah nominated for the Sports Personality of the Year Award by sporting press.
But the two Black Stars players would have to shrug off competition from Ghana’s long jumper, Ignatius Gaisah who is also in the reckoning for the highest award by SWAG.
Aside footballers gunning for the highest award on the night, the duo are again in the frame for another award but this time together with national team colleague, Michael Essien, will vie for the Footballer of the Year award.
Black Queens midfielder, Shilla Okine has bee nominated for the Female Footballer of the Year.
Two special awards would be conferred on two football stars with John Mensah and Richard Kingson nominated for Special Meritorious awards for their contributions to the success of the Black Stars.
And the sterling performance of the Black Stars at the 2006 World Cup in Germany that saw them reach the round of 16 continues to be recognized as the senior men’s team, pick the Team of the Year award.
Black Queens prodigy, Anita Amankwah has been nominated for the Discovery of the Year award while the Promising Player of the Year award goes to Sannie Mohammed of AshantiGold.
Premier League referee, Alex Kotey picks the Referee of the Year award.
The 32nd Awards Night of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana which comes off on September 1 was launched in Accra on Thursday.
The awards, the flagship of the sports media fraternity seeks to reward outstanding sports personalities during the previous year.
The event was originally scheduled for March 2007.