Abu National Wins Otumfuo National Draughts Tournament
Michael Abu, a 45-year-old popularly known as Abu National, has been crowned champion of the 3rd edition of the Otumfuo National Draughts Tournament held over the weekend at the Manhyia Palace.
The two day event which ended on Sunday, 1st December, 2024, was graced by His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
It was organized by the National Draughts Association under the theme; “Projecting Peaceful Election Through Draughts”.
The competition brought together draught champions from 10 regions including Ashanti, Central, Greater Accra, Volta, Bono Ahafo, Western, Eastern and Northern.
Speaking to Opemsuo News, Mr. George Neequaye, National President of the Ghana Draughts Association, thanked God for the successful event. He expressed his deepest appreciation to the Asantehene for his gracious presence, giving the competition the highest boost and recognition.
He disclosed their intention to take the game to the doorsteps of students to arouse their interest in draught while embarking on sensitization to erase some negative perceptions associated with the game.
“We want to introduce the game … and we want to start from the schools especially at the tertiary level. We will be using the media to ‘raise’ the game like Otumfuo advised us. The game is not like what people are talking about; it is a game which opens the mind and it will help our children and future leaders,” he indicated.
“There are some countries who have advanced in the draught competition and we shall be using them as benchmark in our sensitization workshops. Those countries have incorporated draught in their schools and teaching their children, so if we want to advance, we need to start from there.”
He called on the government of Ghana to support the Draughts competition. He said there are lots of potentials and benefits should the nation invest in the game. He also called on organizations and companies to come on board and sponsor their activities to enhance the game.
“We are looking at participating in an international competition but we are handicapped considering the cost of flight tickets of even one player so we will plead with the government and other agencies to come to our aid.”
The new champion, Michael Abu (Abu National) speaking to Opemsuo News touted the importance of playing draught which he says offers various benefits.
“Draught is not a game for the lazy people as believed by some people. In fact it is an intellectual game that sharpens the mind because it is a game of calculation. It helps relieve people from stress and pressure.”
Abu National disclosed his life has turned around after engaging in draught and has since been a source of livelihood.
“I now own a taxi because of draught and I also have some individual sponsors so I will recommend draught to everyone.”
He has won international competitions on the continent including Ethiopia, Malawi and others and highly recognized for his draught techniques and prowess.
The winner, from the Ashanti Region, took home 10,000 Cedis whiles second placed Yaw Obeng, the Bono Regional candidate took home GH5,000. Evans Koranteng (Ortega) from Greater Accra placed 3rd and received GH3,000 and 4th placed Akwasi Agyei from Central Region took home GH2,000 cash prize.
Story by George Addo
