JoySports journalist Mubarak Haruna has achieved continental recognition at the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2025. He secured second place in the Video Athlete Profile category. Haruna also took fifth place in the Video Documentary category. The awards celebrated outstanding sports journalism globally.
His submissions were chosen by the Executive Committee. This placed him among the top 15 percent of all global entries. Thousands of works from 69 countries were submitted for the eighth edition of the awards. Only 312 works made it to the shortlist stage.
One of Mubarak's award-winning pieces was "Abigail Quartey: Her Gloves, Her Glory." This documentary told the story of Abigail Quartey. She is Ghana's first female world boxing champion. Quartey won the WIBF title. Her victory made her the 11th Ghanaian to hold a world boxing title.
The documentary showcased Quartey's journey as a pioneer. It highlighted her role in breaking barriers in Ghanaian boxing. The story served as a symbol of hope for young women in the country. This piece was ranked second in its category.
His second documentary, "Scars of Hooliganism," tackled fan violence in Ghanaian football. It explored the serious impact of this violence. The film featured players, referees, and fans affected by matchday brutality. Many suffered trauma and left the sport.
The documentary included the story of Abubakari Nawass. He was a striker for Real Tamale United. His career ended after a severe attack during a game. Another featured story was the tragic death of Kotoko supporter Francis Frimpong. He was fatally injured during stadium chaos.
This documentary called for accountability in football. It urged reforms to protect the sport's future. "Scars of Hooliganism" was judged the fifth best in Africa. It received this honour in the Video Documentary category.
These awards highlight Ghana's growing strength in sports media. They demonstrate the quality of storytelling emerging from local broadcasters. Such recognition can attract further investment and international attention to Ghanaian sports journalism.
The AIPS awards are a benchmark for excellence. This achievement by Mubarak Haruna brings prestige to JoySports. It also shines a light on the important issues within Ghanaian sports. The impact of these stories extends beyond mere reporting. They contribute to conversations about athlete welfare and sport integrity.
Future reports from JoySports will likely build on this success. The visibility gained may encourage more in-depth investigations. Decision-makers within sports and media organizations will take note of these impactful narratives.