Bernard Anhwere has claimed the national chess title after a commanding performance at the 2026 Ghana National Chess Championship in Accra last Saturday.

The Candidate Master (CM) scored an impressive 7.5 points to finish clear of the field in the Open Category, outpacing Akpa Prince, who took second place with 6.5 points.

John Hasford and  Fomevor Cephas Clinton shared third place with 5.5 points each, while Loglo Daniel completed the top five with 5 points.

In the Women’s Category, Maud Benson emerged as champion, securing the title with 7 points in a tightly contested field.

She edged out Ridham, who also finished on 7 points, with Gertrude Banini taking third on 5.5 points. Dotse Dzidzor Esi placed fourth with 5 points, followed by Dotse Sumya Ibrahim in fifth with 4.5 points.

Young talent Bernard Biney Otoo dominated the Juniors Category, earning the junior championship with a standout display that drew widespread praise and underscored the depth of emerging talent in Ghanaian chess.

The top five finishers from both the Open and Women’s categories will represent Ghana as “The Golden Knights” at the 46th World Chess Olympiad later this year in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The  Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, commended the organisers, particularly Madam Christiana Ashley, for staging a thrilling and well-executed event.