Joachim Awuley Lartey – A Sports Hero Goes Home Today
Today, Ghana bids farewell to one of its most iconic sports personalities, Joachim Awuley Lartey. Known fondly as “Over To You,” Lartey’s voice resonated across the nation, narrating unforgettable moments in sports history.
His distinct commentary style, marked by precision and passion, made him a beloved figure in Ghanaian broadcasting.
Lartey’s career spanned several decades, during which he became the voice of sports for many Ghanaians.
At age sixteen , Joe Lartey was enlisted in the British Royal Nevy and was active service for three years during World War II. Demobilized in 1946, he was trained as a professional teacher at the prestigious Wesley College , Kumasi , finishing as the Best Men’s Student .
After thirteen years of teaching in the country , he literally strolled into the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on the strength of his eloquence and brilliance and speedily became a star Sports and Ceremonials Commentator.
” Many called him the eyes and ears of the listening public in the process, he was awarded with the accolade OVER TO YOU “.
Joachim Awuley Lartey ” Joe Lartey ” worked with Ghana Broadcasting Corporation from 1961 to 1973 and 1990, and with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria between 1978 and 1990.
Joe Lartey was the first president of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana ( SWAG ) in 1968.
Alongside radio commentary he organised coaching in Public Speaking, becoming a co- founder of the first club of Toastmasters International in Ghana.
Joachim Awuley Lartey met Madam Emily Lartebea Lartey at a dance hall in 1945 at Larteh Akuapem and got married to her . They married for 72 years with 13 children and many grandchildren before his demise .
In his hey days , Joe Lartey covered many significant events as a Sports and ceremonial commentator including:
Black Stars Vs Real Madrid ceremonial game in August 1962 , Englebert Vs Asante Kotoko finals in Kinshasa in 1971 , World Championship fight between D.K Poison and Danny Lopez in Ghana in 1976 , Commissioning of the Trade Fair Centre in Accra in February 1967 and Tema Motorway in November 1965 and many more ……
The “Over to You Radio and Tv Sports Broadcast Excellence ” is an award scheme named in his honour for his service in sports broadcasting and journalism.
Joachim Awuley Lartey exuded so much energy in his craft . He made history and it was a rare honour to be associated with him . Here goes a good man who once lived !.
His legacy will live on in the hearts of Ghanaians and in the annals of sports history.
Farewell, Joachim Awuley Lartey — “OVER TO YOU”
Story by : George Opoku Boateng. Ahotor Fm . gopokuboateng@gmail.com . X-Prekese GH
