Mindsport Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Chess Association, the FIDE Women’s Commission, and the Africa Chess Confederation, successfully hosted the “Rising Queens” event on August 30, 2025 — a vibrant celebration of women’s chess excellence in Ghana.
The event, held at the VVIP Lounge of the Accra Sports Stadium, aimed to promote gender equality, empower young female players, and showcase the talent and dedication of women in the chess community.
It brought together chess enthusiasts, players, and officials to celebrate the achievements of women in chess.
The Ghana Chess Association, led by Vice President Christiana Ashley, continues to show strong commitment to the growth and development of chess in Ghana.
The program featured a dynamic mix of award presentations, personal chess journey sharing, rapid chess tournaments (both open and women-only), and valuable networking opportunities.
Awards and Recognition
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of appreciation awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of women’s chess in Ghana.
Queens of Ghana Chess
IA. Ashley Christiana Naa Merley
WFM. Dr. Ayiku Angela Naa Amerley
WCM. Tobi Felix Abena
WCM. Maud Benson Esi
Dzidzor Dotse
WCM. Gertrude Banini
Ridham
Betty Dzima
Keziah George
Hephzibah T. Tandoh
Tiwaa Abena Appau
Ayesha Osman
Aquah Araba Mensima
Majid-Michel Lady Rowena
Pearl Addo
Cassandra Biney
Sumya Dotse
Richael Ashley
Audrey Ayiku
Parental Support Recognition
Mrs. Adutwumwaah Sarkodee Adoo
Mrs. Regina Richardson
Ms. Dimple Gupta
Mrs. Prithya Pradeep
Mrs. Elsie Fosua Tandoh
Mrs. Anita Acheampong
Ms. Christiana Armah
Gentlemen Supporting Women in Ghana Chess
Air Commodore George Arko Dadzie
Mr. Ameku Philip Elikem
Mr. John Kojo Hasford
Mr. Ambrose Amexo
Mr. Evans Kpodo
Mr. Edward Thompson
Rapid Chess Tournament Winners
Open Rapid Event
1st Place: Jeshurun Tandon
2nd Place: CM. Daniel Smart Frimpong
3rd Place: Miracle Morris
Best Lady: WCM. Maud Benson
Women’s Section
1st Place: Christiana Naa Merley Ashley
2nd Place: WFM. Dr. Angela Amerley Ayiku
3rd Place: Pearl Addo
Distinguished Guests
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ms. Veronica Commey, Deputy Director General of the NSA, and Mr. Gyamfi, Chief Operations Officer at the NSA.
Also present were senior Ghanaian chess players, representatives from the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), and Ocean Spray.
Special Thanks
Gratitude goes to our partners and supporters:
Ghana Olympic Committee, for their continuous support
National Sports Authority, for logistics and technical assistance
Ocean Spray, our No. 1 snacks sponsor
Air Commodore Arko Dadzie
Ms. Keziah George
Mr. Harry Sarkodee Adoo
Special appreciation also goes to the media for their coverage, helping share the story of women’s chess excellence in Ghana.
Finally, thanks to the technical support team and organizers who made the event possible:
Clinton Fomevor
George Acheampong
Isaac Boakye
Ethel Cofie
Vitus Amenorpe
Ghsportsnews (ghsportsnews.com) is a prominent digital sports news platform based in Accra, Ghana, that has been in operation since 2020