President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Richard Akpokavie, engaged the President of the International Association of Sports Press (AIPS), Gianni Merlo, at the Olympic House in Accra.

Merlo, who was in Ghana for the 50th SWAG Awards, took the opportunity to meet with Akpokavie and discuss ways to strengthen ties between the GOC, SWAG and AIPS.

The GOC President expressed his gratitude for the AIPS President's interest in promoting sports journalism in Ghana. He highlighted the GOC's intention to partner SWAG in enhancing the development of sports journalists in Ghana.

Merlo praised the GOC's commitment to developing sports in Ghana and expressed his admiration for the country's rich sporting heritage.

He commended the SWAG Awards concept for recognising outstanding achievements of sportsmen and sportswomen in Ghana.

The AIPS President emphasised the importance of sports journalism in promoting athletes and sports development, and pledged AIPS' support for initiatives that promote quality sports reporting in Ghana.
The two leaders discussed potential collaborations between the GOC and AIPS, and notably, they agreed to work together in the area of training.

The engagement aimed to enhance the capacity of sports journalists in Ghana through the AIPS Young Reporters program and other creative ways, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively promote and report on sports.

Both leaders commended the 57 years of SWAG for the major impact on sports development and promotion.
The GOC Boss expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that it would significantly benefit Ghanaian sports.

He thanked Merlo for taking the time to visit the Olympic House during his stay in Accra and also praised him for his record 26 Olympic Games appearances.

Present in the meeting were leaders of SWAG and the GOC, including Kwabena Yeboah, Evelyn Asare Nsiah, Charles Osei Asibey, Nana Adu Mankata II, Kenneth Odeng Adade, Evans Yeboah.