Renowned Ghanaian Scrabble champion Kofi Acquah is set to celebrate his 40th birthday in grand style with a major tournament in Accra, sanctioned by the Scrabble Association of Ghana (SCAG) and the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA).
Inexactly 7 days time, Acquah, a force to be reckoned with in the Ghanaian Scrabble circuit, will commemorate his milestone birthday by bringing together top-ranked Masters and rising talents for an intense day of wordplay.
The highly anticipated 40th Birthday Scrabble Bash, scheduled for May 25th at the Wanshi Gardens in Asylum Down, has attracted a formidable field of 37 players from across the country.
Saturday’s birthday bash is poised to contribute significantly to the development of Scrabble in Ghana.
The tournament format will consist of 9 grueling games played using the latest CSW21 lexicon, with Banda Abdalah, Carlos Otto, and Jeffery serving as the tournament directors. Prizes will be awarded to the top five finishers, with the winner taking home 1,500 GH and a trophy.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the bash will feature special segments honoring Acquah’s illustrious Scrabble career. Highlights include a biographical tribute by former National Intermediate Champion William Arhin, a heartfelt message from Acquah’s father, Mr. Fiifi Acquah, and the popping of a celebratory champagne.
By bringing together the nation’s top players and rising talents, the event will not only showcase the sport’s competitiveness but also inspire a new generation of wordsmith enthusiasts.
The presence of dignitaries and patrons from SCAG and PANASA will lend further prestige and recognition to the event, underscoring the importance of fostering a thriving Scrabble community in the country.
Acquah’s achievements in the world of Scrabble are nothing short of impressive in a remarkable journey.
After rejoining SCAG in 2014, he swept the Intermediate Division without losing a single game, earning promotion to the Masters Division the following year, where he finished in the Top 10.
He was the 1st Runner-up in the prestigious Dr. Michael Akonor’s Memorial Tournament, losing to the late Micky Quao. As a key member of the defunct Adabraka Scrabble Club, Acquah led the club to numerous tournament victories.
Beyond Ghana’s borders, he has participated in tournaments in the UK, securing the 3rd place at the 51st Diaspora Open, and performed exceptionally well at the 2020 Milton Keynes Tournament. Notably, Acquah was the sole Ghanaian representative at the 2022 US National Scrabble Players Championship, where he won an impressive 4 out of 6 games.
He also emerged as the 3rd Runner-up at the 2021 Harold Esseku Championship. Additionally, he clinched the coveted title of “Next King of Ghana Scrabble” in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
As a member of the vibrant Korlebu Scrabble Club, he has sponsored the “King of Korlebu” Tournament and co-sponsored other tournaments and the ongoing Korlebu League.
He met and supported the Ghanaian team at the Las Vegas tournament and co-sponsored the “Next King of Ghana Scrabble” event with Mr. David Annor. Furthermore, Acquah is the main sponsor of his highly anticipated 40th Birthday Scrabble Bash.
As the countdown to the tournament nears, the Wanshi Gardens is set to be electrified with an atmosphere of friendly rivalry, intellectual prowess, and a shared passion for wordplay.
