The “Rising Queens” event, held on August 30, 2025, was a resounding success, celebrating women’s chess excellence in Ghana. Organized by Mindsport Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Chess Association, FIDE Women’s Commission, and Africa Chess Confederation, the event brought together chess enthusiasts and stakeholders to recognize and reward outstanding contributions to women’s chess in Ghana.
The ceremony featured a series of awards presentations, honoring 19 Queens of Ghana Chess, 7 parents who provided exceptional support, and 6 gentlemen who have been instrumental in promoting women’s chess in Ghana. The awardees were recognized for their dedication, passion, and commitment to the development of women’s chess in the country.
In addition to the awards, the event included rapid chess tournaments, with Jeshurun Tandon emerging as the winner of the open rapid event and Christiana Naa Merley Ashley topping the women’s section. The tournaments provided a platform for chess players to showcase their skills and compete in a friendly and supportive environment.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority, and Ms. Veronica Commey, Deputy Director General of the NSA. Other notable attendees included senior Ghana chess players, representatives from the Ghana Olympic Committee, and Ocean Spray.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to their partners and supporters, including the Ghana Olympic Committee, National Sports Authority, Ocean Spray, and individual sponsors, who contributed to the success of the event. Special appreciation was also extended to the media for their coverage and the technical support team for their hard work and dedication.
Overall, the “Rising Queens” event was a celebration of women’s chess excellence in Ghana, recognizing the achievements of women and men who have contributed to the development of the sport. The event provided a platform for networking, skill-building, and inspiration, and is expected to inspire more women and girls to take up chess and pursue careers in the sport.
