Joe Lartey, renowned Ghanaian sports journalist and a commentator has passed away, as confirmed by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) on Saturday.

The veteran commentator died on Friday, April 26, 2024.

In a statement, SWAG announced, “The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) announces the death of Mr Joachim Awuley Lartey aka ‘Joe Lartey’ on April 26, 2024.”

“Lartey, who served as the first President of SWAG, passed away at the age of 96. Further details regarding his demise and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”

Joe Lartey, born on June 6, 1927, in Accra, attended Accra Academy and became a renowned broadcaster known as “Over to You.”

Lartey began his journalism career in 1961 as a football commentator at GBC, later joining Radio Nigeria and returning to GBC, where he hosted Sports Digest on GTV.

Lartey was awarded the “A Life in Sport” award by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) at the AIPS Sport Media Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar.

Fate led him to a national prominence when he was invited to broadcast outside a sports department member’s illness, later becoming the first president of the Sports Writers’ Association of Ghana.

Joe Lartey significantly influenced Ghanaian football commentators, shaping their careers and leaving a lasting legacy in sports journalism.

Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Christian Kobby Quarshie