The eight-day competition drew participants from seven Africa countries including hosts Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Cote d’ Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cameroon with 32 participants, who competed for the ultimate trophy.
However, in the end, it was the Nigerians who stood tall to win the first, second, and third positions.
The gold medalist, Adu garnered eight points, ahead of compatriots candidate Master Balogun Oluwafemi 7.5 points and FIDE Master Kisigha Borno – seven points.
For his prize, Adu received, 1000 USD, trophy, a medal and a certificate for excelling in the annual championship.
The second and third placed Oluwafemi and Borno went away with 750 USD and 500 USD respectively.
The champion of the event, Adu narrated his experience in Ghana saying ‘‘it was a nice experience being in Ghana for the first time and I enjoyed it. The competition was very tough with experienced players’’.
He commended the Ghana Chess Association (GCA) for the good work done and encouraged the players to practice the sport often and pray to see success in their endeavor adding that ‘‘ Ghana has talents in Chess’’.
The President of the GCA, Mr. George Arko-Dadzie, said the association has made some strides in the past years, but bemoaned lack of sponsorship to host the championship.
He said ‘‘I’m happy for what we have done in the past years, but our major challenge is sponsorship. After the confirmation, though it was at a short notice, we have being able to host the event.
On the championship, Mr. Dadzie stated that, he witnessed a competitive game and tasked the players not to relent on their efforts to improve on their performance.
Source: GNA
Edna A. Quansah
