The Sports Writers Association of Ghana has confirmed the passing of veteran football commentator and sports journalist Joe Lartey (SWAG).
He passed away at the age of 96 on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Joe Lartey, who was born in Accra on June 6, 1927, went to Accra Academy. Known by most as “Over to You,” Lartey was a legendary broadcaster and the first president of SWAG.
In 1961, Lartey started his career in journalism as a football pundit for the Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation (GBC).
He grew in popularity among Ghanaian sports fans over time.
Then, in 1990, he returned to GBC after a ten-year stint on Radio Nigeria. He hosted shows like Sports Digest on GTV during his time there.
At the AIPS Sport Media Awards ceremony held in Doha, Qatar, in June 2022, Lartey received the esteemed “A Life in Sport” award from the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) in appreciation of his contributions to sports journalism.
Lartey’s impact was felt well beyond Ghana, as numerous Ghanaian football pundits attribute their professional development to him.
His legacy as a pioneer in the sports broadcasting industry will be treasured by colleagues and fans alike.