Lomé, Togo – Team Ghana delivered a strong showing at the 2026 FIDE Zone 4.4 West Africa Chess Championship in Lomé, returning home with four medals: one gold, one silver, and two bronze across the Open and Women’s divisions.
The championship, which ended this week, featured over 13 countries, with Nigeria emerging as Ghana’s main rival. The 10-member Ghanaian delegation stamped its authority on the event, with standout performances in both categories.
Women’s Division – After 7 Rounds:
- WCM Maud Benson (GHA) – 5.0/7 – Gold & Zonal Champion
- WFM Ayemou Mazan Emmanuela Esther (CIV) – 5.0/7
- Ridham (GHA) – 5.0/7 – Bronze
Benson edged the field on tiebreaks to claim the title, while Ridham secured bronze with an equally impressive 5-point haul. Both players finished the tournament unbeaten.
Open Division – After 9 Rounds:
- CM Olisa Tennyson Ewomazino (NGR) – 7.5/9
- CM Bernard Anhwere (GHA) – 7.0/9 – Silver
- IM Francis Eric Anquandah (GHA) – 6.5/9 – Bronze
Ghana also placed eight players in the top 22:
- CM Daniel Frempong-Smart – 5.5
- CM Cephas Clinton Fomevor – 5.5
- Jeshurun Obiri Yeboah Pryce-Tandoh – 5.0
- Abdul-Raheem Waris Clinton – 5.0
- Prince Akpa – 5.0
- Manoom Singh – 4.0
GCA President Christiana Ashley hailed the team’s performance:
“This is what happens when talent meets preparation. Maud Benson is our new Queen of West Africa. Ridham showed nerves of steel. Bernard and Francis proved Ghana belongs at the top table. All 10 players fought for the flag. In two months, we’ve moved from promise to podium. Ghana Chess is awake, and we’re just getting started.”
The Zonal Championship serves as a qualifier for the 2026 African Individual Championship and is a key step toward the FIDE World Olympiad later this year. All four Ghanaian medalists are now in contention for both events.
The Ghana Chess Association expressed gratitude to the National Sports Authority, team coaches, parents, and supporters who backed the team in Lo
