Imagination Africa and Mentors Chess Academy are preparing to host the second African Genius Chess Championship on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at Ghud Park beside Accra Mall. The event is designed to use chess as a tool for developing young minds, fostering inclusion, and creating equal opportunities for children from diverse socio‑economic backgrounds.
“Talent and potential are not determined by a child’s social or economic circumstances. On the chessboard, every child starts with the same pieces and the same chances, and that is the opportunity we want to give them,” said Mariam Mahamah, co‑founder of Imagination Africa.
The inaugural championship, held at Legon City Mall in 2024, attracted more than 150 young players from over 15 schools across Ghana. Participants competed in age categories ranging from Under‑8 to Under‑20, with the Under‑20 title claimed by twelve‑year‑old Dave Chief Quansah Acheampong, who went unbeaten in four rounds against older opponents from Presec, the University of Ghana, DPS International and ARIS.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education and the High Commissioner of India to Ghana attended the 2024 event, and parents praised the initiative for providing a conducive environment for children to learn and play chess.
This year’s competition will feature new age categories and will award trophies, medals and gift prizes to top finishers, as well as a special prize for the best girl in each category. Organisers believe that chess can help young people develop critical thinking, concentration, discipline, confidence and problem‑solving skills.
Imagination Africa plans to make the championship an annual event and is seeking partners to expand its reach and support youth development, social inclusion and intellectual growth. The non‑profit organisation identifies, develops and showcases young people’s talent in Ghana through sports, arts and academics, creating opportunities for under‑privileged children to reach their full potential.
