The Ghana Sports Fund (GSF) is hopeful of beginning financial support for sports federations in 2027, its Administrator, Dr David Kofi Mawuvi Wuaku, has said, while commending the Ghana National Chess Team for making the country proud despite limited resources, particularly the contribution of its female players.
Dr Wuaku encouraged the team to build on its achievement at the 46th Chess Olympiad and win more medals for Ghana, assuring the delegation of the government’s commitment to strengthening sports federations through the Ghana Sports Fund.
He made the remarks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, when a delegation from the Ghana Chess Association, led by its President, Christiana Ashley, visited the Fund’s boardroom to present the team’s medals and discuss sustainable support for chess development.
Dr Wuaku praised the players for their determination and achievement despite the financial challenges confronting the sport, with particular recognition of the female athletes who formed part of the team.
He expressed optimism that the Fund would begin supporting sports federations in the coming year, providing a potential pathway for addressing longstanding funding challenges and strengthening Ghana’s sporting disciplines.
The Ghana Chess Association highlighted the team’s gold-medal achievement at the Olympiad, noting that the players competed without direct government financial support. It appealed for sustained investment in professional training, equipment and tournament participation to improve the country’s performance in international competitions.
The Association identified the high cost of electronic chessboards, estimated at between US$1,000 and US$2,200 per unit, as one of the major barriers to advanced training. Limited financial sponsorship and inadequate professional development opportunities were also cited as challenges.
The delegation called for a more structured approach to player development to enable Ghanaian chess players to improve their international rankings, progress through competitive categories and pursue the sport professionally.
Beyond elite competition, the Association outlined plans to expand chess education through pilot programmes in five to ten basic and secondary schools. The initiative seeks to address limited participation at the secondary-school level while developing young talent and promoting critical thinking, concentration, patience and strategic decision-making.
A scholastic chess tournament is scheduled for November 14, 2026, at the stadium as part of efforts to broaden grassroots participation and identify emerging talent.
The meeting also explored potential areas of support, including equipment acquisition, professional training, school-based programmes and partnerships with corporate organisations.
The GSF delegation included Deputy Administrator, Lawyer Simon Appiah Junior; Deputy Director, Vida Adombiri-Naba; Head of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Joseph Annin Effah; and Head of Corporate Affairs and Communication, Ivy Priscilla Setordjie.
The Ghana Chess Association delegation comprised President Christiana Ashley; Vice President Clinton Fomevor; Secretary-General and team captain Maxwell Kpoxah; Organising Secretary George Acheampong; and players Maud Benson, Dzidzor Dotse and Sumya Dotse.
The engagement forms part of efforts to explore sustainable financing for sports development and strengthen institutional support for federations seeking to improve Ghana’s performance at regional and international competitions.
The Ghana Sports Fund is scheduled to hold its official launch on December 10, 2026, an event expected to be attended by the President.
Source: Ghana Sports Fund