In a historic turn of events on Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) made a significant stride toward gender inclusivity by electing three women to key positions on its Executive Committee. The pinnacle of this achievement was the election of Madam Evelyn Nsiah Asare, a former Board Member of Kumasi Asante Kotoko and CEO of Hasaacas Ladies FC, as the new Vice President, beating incumbent Maurice Quansah, Editor of Graphic Sports.
Evelyn Nsiah Asare’s election marked a momentous occasion, as she became the first female Vice President in SWAG’s history. She garnered a commanding 48.12% of the votes, triumphing over the former Vice President, who received 24.44%.
The expanded SWAG election, which incorporated regional bodies, drew significant attention and saw a total of 266 delegates in good standing out of 907 casting their votes to determine the leadership of the association for the next four years.
The election also witnessed the reelection of President Kwabena Yeboah for a third term, running unopposed. Similarly, Charles Osei Asibey, the Secretary General and a veteran broadcaster, was reelected without contest. These decisions were a testament to the trust and confidence that SWAG members placed in their leadership.
Owuraku Nsiah, a Sports Broadcaster with Sikka FM in the Ashanti Region, assumed the role of Treasurer uncontested. Additionally, the Women’s Commission, a newly created portfolio, was entrusted to Mavis Amanor, known in media circles as ‘Fire Lady’ and a journalist with the Multimedia Group Limited.
Among the keenly contested positions were Vice President, Deputy Secretary General, and three Executive Committee Members. The Deputy Secretary General position was secured by Kenneth Odeng Adade, acting Administrator of SWAG, who triumphed over former Secretary of the Western Regional Chapter of SWAG, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asrifi, with a vote margin of 55.64% to 16.17%.
The election for the three available slots for Executive Committee Members resulted in the following victors: Tilda Acorlor (60.53%), Augustine Kwabena Ohene Bampoe-Brenya (55.26%), and Franklin Anane Gyimah (54.14%). Nana Kyei Manu, despite a spirited campaign, fell short with 45.49% of the votes, missing the opportunity to join the Executive Committee.
The entire election process was conducted digitally, setting a technological precedent for SWAG. The Elections Committee chairman, Mawuko Afadzinu, who also serves as a Patron of SWAG, praised the novel electoral process, which was monitored by Mr. Mathias Tibu, Madam Gloria Commodore, President of WISA (Women In Sports Association), and impartial observers.
This impressive virtual election, which attracted widespread attention and conversation, commenced at 0600hrs and concluded at 1600hrs. The results were declared promptly during a Zoom meeting following the collation.
The election’s most notable outcome was the unprecedented presence of three women on SWAG’s Executive Committee, signaling a significant step toward greater gender representation in the realm of sports journalism. With this diverse and dynamic leadership, SWAG is set to embark on a new chapter that holds promise for the future of sports reporting in Ghana.
Below are the winners;
President
Kwabena Yeboah
Vice President
Evelyn Nsiah Asare
General Secretary
Charles Osei Asibey
Deputy General Secretary
Kenneth Odeng Adade
Treasurer
– Owuraku Nsiah
Women’s Commissioner
Mavis Amanor
Executive Members
Tilda Eliman Acolor
Augustine Kwabena Ohene Bampoe Brenya
Franklyn Anane Gyimah
By Sammy Heywood Okine
