The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), led by its President, Kwabena Yeboah, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, to discuss key areas of collaboration and the role of sports journalism in national development.
During the meeting, SWAG commended the Ministry for its long-standing support, including providing office space and assisting with various initiatives over the years. President Kwabena Yeboah expressed confidence in the Minister’s leadership, stating that his confidence was not based on flattery but on the Minister’s insightful submissions in various interviews.
A key issue raised by SWAG was the need for the Ministry’s full support for the Black Stars to ensure Ghana’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup. “The Black Stars represent the passion of the nation, and the Minister must do everything possible to ensure that Ghana qualifies,” Mr. Yeboah stated. He noted that failure to qualify for the AFCON had already dented Ghana’s football reputation, and securing a World Cup spot would help restore national football pride.
Hon. Kofi Adams acknowledged the significance of football in Ghana, stating that while many sports are excelling, the Black Stars remain the heartbeat of the nation. He assured SWAG of the Ministry’s commitment to doing everything possible to help the national team qualify, while also emphasizing the need for balance in media reportage.
Call for Responsible Sports Journalism
The Minister urged SWAG and the media to be mindful of the narratives they create, stressing that journalists should know when to criticize and when to motivate the national team. “The pen is a powerful tool that can either build or destroy a team. We must be cautious with our words, especially in times when the team needs support,” he emphasized.
He acknowledged that while sports writers compete for news stories, it is essential to ensure that reports do not create division within the team. He called for a national agenda that promotes positive sports branding, reinforcing that sports should unite, not divide, the country.
Strengthening the Relationship Between SWAG and the Ministry
The General Secretary of SWAG, Charles Osei Asibey, assured the Minister of the association’s commitment to supporting the industry by shaping a strong and positive sports brand for Ghana. He also urged the Minister to engage SWAG whenever there are attacks from the media or rising negativity, assuring that SWAG would work to maintain a professional and balanced discourse in the industry.
Hon. Kofi Adams reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to engaging all stakeholders to ensure that sports journalism complements national development efforts. He also informed the delegation that plans are underway to restore school sports in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), further highlighting the importance of media support in promoting grassroots sports.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Ministry and SWAG, ensuring that sports journalism continues to play a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s sports industry and national image.
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