Bill Eshun Named SWAG Journalist of the Year 2025
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has named Bill Eshun of Media General as the 2025 SWAG Journalist of the Year, recognizing his excellence, integrity, and contribution to the field of sports journalism.
The announcement was made on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Central Hotel in Accra, in a ceremony attended by prominent personalities, including GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, MP for Gomoa Central Hon. Kwame Obeng Asare, SWAG President Kwabena Yeboah, and executives and members of SWAG.
Eshun emerged winner out of five shortlisted entries submitted for consideration, impressing a panel of judges with his storytelling, creativity, and journalistic impact.
The panel applied a rigorous evaluation framework modeled after international standards like the AIPS Awards, scoring entrants on content depth, relevance, accuracy, storytelling, ethics, language use, and innovation.
“The panel developed a comprehensive scoring rubric inspired by international standards, particularly by AIPS,” said SWAG President Kwabena Yeboah.
“Each panelist scored the entries, and the scores were averaged to arrive at the final rankings. The executive committee submitted five entries to the panel, and I'd like to say I really loved the captions of all the entries. Each was deserving in its own right.”
He expressed concern over the lack of submissions by eligible journalists, noting missed opportunities by many talented professionals; “I find it rather sad that quite a number of people who could really send entries did not. So let me congratulate everyone who sent an entry,” Yeboah added. “But as you're aware, there can be only one winner, unfortunately.”
In a passionate address, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour emphasized the social impact and community value of sports journalism, citing both its power and the duty it demands; “your work inspires, informs, and entertains millions, shaping the way we experience sports,” he said.
“I remember a year or two ago when a sports journalist was attacked, and I was asked if he was ‘a real journalist.’ I said, take the ‘sports’ part off. This is what we were voted to do, to stand for all journalists.”
Dwumfour reminded attendees of the role sports journalism plays in uniting communities and creating national dialogue; "sports journalism sparks conversations and builds a sense of community. Watching one of our own get emotional on air, that’s the passion,” he said.
“As journalists, we are called to serve. And let me state: journalism is not a crime.”
Gary Al-Smith, the 2023 recipient of the award, shared how the recognition transformed his professional standing and personal visibility. "In 2024, the SWAG team decided I merited the Sports Journalist of the Year. I had done a lot of work across platforms, but the award elevated my profile in ways I didn’t expect,” he revealed.
“Corporate brands I didn’t know were watching suddenly reached out, Standard Chartered, MTN, First National Bank. Some ran congratulatory ads for me in the dailies.”
He offered a heartfelt reflection on legacy, urging future winners to make the most of the platform; "the BBC, when Komla Dumor passed, mentioned he was a former Ghana Journalist of the Year. That award lives with you,” he said.
“Everyone can be given an award, but it’s what you do with it that counts. I know I used mine well, and I encourage others to do the same. No dolling. Let’s make it count.”
The 1st runner-up was Nana Akua Amankwaa, with Yaw Ofosu Larbi placing as 2nd runner-up. All three finalists were commended by the panel for their outstanding entries and lasting impact on sports reporting.
As part of his prize, Bill Eshun received a SWAG medal, a plaque, and a two-day special treat courtesy of Central Hotel.
The two runners-up also received SWAG medals in recognition of their commendable work.
By; Victoria Kwofie
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