Joe Lartey: Recounting the memories of an iconic commentator

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Joachim Awuley Lartey, affectionately known as Joe Lartey, a distinguished African football commentator and Ghanaian journalist, passed away at the age of 96.

The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) announced his demise, marking the end of an era in sports journalism.

Born on June 6, 1927, in Accra, during the era of the Gold Coast, Lartey’s life intersected with significant moments in football history long before Ghana gained independence.

His contributions to the field of sports journalism have left an indelible mark on Ghanaian and African football history.

Between the years 1960 and 1990, Joe Lartey played an active role in the media landscape, particularly as a prominent member of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) Sports department for 13 years.

During his tenure at GBC, Lartey became renowned for his distinctive commentary style, which included his famous phrase, “Over to you.” This catchphrase became synonymous with Lartey himself, often eclipsing his own name in recognition and association.

Lartey’s impactful contributions to sports broadcasting and his iconic phrase have solidified his legacy as one of the most celebrated figures in Ghanaian media history.

He worked there from 1961 to 1973, before switching to the continental level with Federal Radio in Nigeria between 1978 and 1990.

He then returned to GBC after 1990 and became the first president of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), which still awards and inspires Sports Journalists and personalities to date.

“With the GBC, initially, I wasn’t going to be with the sports department.

I’ll say over to you and then when he finished his say he would say over to you Joe and we covered a number of interesting commentaries and that’s how the name came about”, he revealed to Joy Sports.

A glowing tribute from Kwabena Yeboah to Joe Lartey

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh)

He also made commentaries on ceremonial duties in Ghana back in the 1960s.

That match took place at the stadium on a Saturday and you should have been there to see”, he said.

Ghana and Africa mourns the passion of Joe Lartey

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh)

Lartey’s career was a blend of excitement and professionalism as he is one of the few people who witnessed Ghana lift its first Africa Cup of Nations trophies.

“All of that was under Ohene Djan.

Kwame Nkrumah had the virtue of combining sports with unity and the team enjoyed many successes”.

While Ghanaian football may not currently match the greatness it achieved between 1960 and 1990, Joe Lartey, through his storytelling and coverage of the team’s exploits, would have hoped for Ghana to rediscover its footballing prowess.

Though Joe Lartey has passed away, his legacy endures among those he influenced and entertained throughout his life.