Author: Edna Quansah
The 2024 Ghana National Chess Championship Finals, a 10-player round-robin tournament, was from Jan 2-5, 2025 at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra.
The top 5 highest rated players from the FIDE rating list, as well as the top 5 finishers from the first Phase (Qualifiers), which was held from December 27 – 29, participated in the finals.
In the final phase, Selikem demonstrated exceptional skill, going unbeaten while securing 6 wins and 3 draws after 9 rounds to score 7.5 points, outperforming seasoned competitors, including International Master (IM) Francis Anquandah and CM Bernard Anhwere.
His victory was a testament to the growing prominence of youth in Ghana’s chess scene.
Selikem’s victory is a historic milestone in Ghana’s chess history.
He first gained national attention in 2021 when, at age 11, he secured a silver medal in the Under-12 Open Category at the African Youth Chess Championships, earning the conditional Candidate Master title, the youngest Ghanaian player to do so at that time.
GCA President Philip Ameku remarked, “Selikem’s achievement is a testament to the potential of young chess players in Ghana. His dedication and success serve as an inspiration to aspiring players nationwide.”
Young master Selikem expressed gratitude for the support from his family, coaches, and the chess community. “Winning the national championship is a dream come true. I hope my success encourages more young people to take up chess and pursue their passions,” he said.
The Ghana Chess Association remains dedicated to nurturing young talent, aiming to elevate the country’s status in international chess circles. Selikem’s historic win is a promising indicator of Ghana’s potential on the global stage.
