The sports industry has become so huge that its stories have moved from being on the back pages to occupying front rows in the media.
Although most sportsmen and women try to keep their lives private, the fact is that they are public figures and anything they do tends to be news.
On the part of the media, though, there are those athletes who are a delight to meet or even hear. These are sportsmen and women who always provide content with every step they take or very word they utter.
As the year draws to its end, we take a look at five Ghanaian sportsmen and women who made the internet a better place:
1. The Forsons
The Forsons, Zaira and Kaya, are two personalities in the sports industry who really kept the internet alive.
Aside the elegant looks of the two young swimmers, they also made the headlines after representing Ghana at the 2019 FINA World Junior Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
Kaya placed 2nd in the 200 metres Women Individual Medley Heat, while Zaira also finished her final race with a time of 2:20.23 in the Women 200 metres freestyle in Heat 2.
The sisters helped sell Ghana to the world, in a discipline where the country is known not to do too well.
2. Mukarama Abdulai
Mukarama Abdulai emerged on the scene in 2018 following her explosive performances at the U-17 Women’s World Cup (WWC).
The 17-year-old scored seven goals at the tournament, eventually scooping the Golden Shoe and the Bronze Ball.
Mukarama continued with her fine form into 2019, having gained admission to further her education at Tyler Junior College in Texas, USA.
The teenager went on to score an astonishing 23 goals as Tyler Junior College won the 2019 NJCAA Gulf South District Championship. Her successes made her one of the most celebrated Ghanaian sports personalities on the internet.
3. Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan may currently be in the twilight of his career, but he is one man who continues to make the headlines.
The striker joined Indian side NorthEast United FC on a free transfer in September 2019 after leaving Turkish club Kayserispor in June.
Having built a phenomenal reputation in Asia, playing for Al Ain, Al Ahli and Shanghai SIPG, Gyan opted to add to India to his collection.
2019 was a year where Gyan avoided controversy and his goals in the Indian Super League certainly excited the internet.
4. The Ayews
There is something with the Ayew family that endears to the public. Not just are they a family of talented footballers, their rapport with the media has always been top-notch.
Both Andre and Jordan enjoyed productive stints in 2019, with both finding the back of the net on a regular basis.
While Andre’s goals are helping Championship side Swansea City in the fight for promotion, Jordan is also pushing Crystal Palace towards a Europa League spot in the Premier League.
The Ayew family is one that is very much loved by the public and it gets even better on the internet when two of its sons, Andre and Jordan, are doing well concurrently.
5. Richard Commey
Richard Commey may not be a Mohammed Ali or even a Floyd Mayweather, but the Ghanaian’s bravado is definitely close to the aforementioned duo.
Not only is Commey a tough-talking boxer, the 32-year-old actually walks the talk with wins in the ring.
Since annexing the IBF Lightweight title, Commey has defended his belt twice, making him Ghana’s only standing world champion.
At a time where Ghanaian boxers are not doing well, Commey is holding his own very well. His interviews are often very intriguing and headline-grabbing, as he loves to talk big. These attributes are surely endearing to any boxing fan, let alone those on the internet.
