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The Sports Writers’ Association of Ghana (SWAG) in conjunction with leading sports betting company in Ghana, Betway have held a sensitization conference for Sports Journalists at the Best Western Plus Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi of the Western Region on Friday, January 29, 2020.
The conference had over fifty (50) sports Journalists across the Western and Western North Regions in attendance.[ads2]
Main speakers for the event were ace sportscaster and President of SWAG, Kwabena Yeboah, Michael Oti Adjei of Media General, Mawuko Afadzinu who is the President of Institute for Public Relations. Others include Charles Osei Assibey, a renowned broadcaster and President of the Ghana Armwrestling and host of others.
In his submission, Mr. Kwabena Yeboah enthused sportscasters, particularly the younger ones to concentrate on building a solid and resound brand that will generate huge income in future, and not necessarily concentrating and focusing solely on money as reasons for pursuing sports Journalism.[ads3]
He was of the conviction that, “a resounding brand pays hugely in future” and must be the objective and priority of the young sports Journalists.
On his part, Michael Oti Adjei who was speaking on the topic, “Sports event coverage” tasked sports journalists to consider major tournament as major career landmarks and not time for leisures.
He explained that, before a sports Journalists traveled for a tournament, there must be a long-term planing and preparations, research vividly before embarking on the tournament and must also develop the habit of building contact.
Mr. Oti-Adjei who is the General Manager for Digital at Media General, admonished young sports journalists to develop the habit of sacrificial works which at times serves as a bait for the bigger platforms.[ads4]
He admonished sports Journalists especially the younger ones, to make it a point to dress decently all the time, while encouraging them to seek opportunities in education to develop and enhance their career.
Mr. Mawuko Afadzinu also took the participants on some sensitive issues regarding sports Journalism as the
the use of social media within the media space, branding, the need for collaborations as well as capacity-building. He also emphasized on the digitization of the profession and its significance towards the promotion of sports on both the local and international fronts.
At the end of the event, participants received certificates of participation and other complimentary gifts from Betway and SWAG.[ads5]
