The 2025 World English-Language Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) has officially kicked off in Accra, uniting approximately 150 players from 28 countries in a celebration of wordplay and intellect.
Taking place from Wednesday, November 12 to Sunday, November 16, the championship will see competitors battle for top honours across multiple events, including the Akwaaba (Early Bird) Challenge, Sika (Gold) Challenge, WESPAC Main Challenge, Sankofa Challenge, and Adinkra Challenge.
The opening ceremony at the Palms by Eagles Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, brought together key stakeholders and dignitaries, including the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams; Chairman of World English language scrabble Players Association and Mr Chris Lippe, Chairman of World Youth scrabble Association, Mr Tariq Pervez.
Also present were Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd, Mr Ato Afful, President of the Scrabble Association of Ghana (SAG), Haruna Adam, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Reginald D. Laryea, Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and his Deputy, Veronica Commey.
Greater support
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Adams reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting mind sports, including Scrabble, as part of its inclusive sports development agenda.
The Minister welcomed the participating nations, describing the event as “a convergence of brilliant minds and a celebration of intellect and language.”
Mr Adams praised the Scrabble Association of Ghana for elevating the game to national recognition and pledged that under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, “no sport will be left behind.”
"Let me assure you you may have come for Scrabble, but you will leave remembering much more. Let me commend the Scrabble association of Ghana for its tireless work in building a structure for mind sports in this country, it started somewhere very little today, it is growing, consistency and clarity of purpose have brought us here, hosting West Park on Ghanaian soil and raising scrabble to the rank of what demonstration sport during the 13th African games was no mean a success," he said.
He announced plans to integrate Scrabble into Ghana’s National Recreation and Wellness Program and to embed it into the school curriculum in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, emphasizing its educational benefits in discipline, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and memory development.
He also highlighted Scrabble’s role in nurturing critical thinking and creativity among young people, stating that the government would ensure equitable investment and visibility for both physical and intellectual sports.
"Welcome to WESPAC 2025. Welcome to a country that believes every sport deserves a place in the sun. Welcome to a city that listens when minds speak, Accra is your home. Welcome home."
Collaborative effort
President of SAG, Haruna Adamu expressed gratitude and pride at the opening of the evemnt, recalling how the idea to host the championship in Ghana began as a simple conversation a year earlier and commended the collaborative effort that made it a reality.
Mr Adamu thanked the LOC for their dedication and sleepless nights in preparing for the event, calling the championship a historic moment for Ghana and African Scrabble.
He praised Sports Minister Kofi Adams for his vision to expand Scrabble beyond competition into national recreation and pledged the Association’s support to work with the Ministry in making the game accessible across Ghana.
Welcoming participants from around the world, Mr Adamu said the event would showcase Ghana’s renowned hospitality, concluding with a warm “Akwaba to Ghana.”
Gratitude
Chairman of the LOC, Reginald D. Laryea expressed deep gratitude to the Minister of Sports and Recreation, sponsors, and partners for their support in bringing the championship to Ghana for the first time.
He highlighted the participation of 28 nations, describing the event as not just a competition but a global meeting point for friendship, learning, and intellectual connection.
Mr Laryea commended the Scrabble Association of Ghana, the National Sports Authority, and the Ministry of Sports for their tireless collaboration in organizing a world-class tournament that meets international standards.
Thanking sponsors, volunteers, and private partners for their contributions, he emphasized the power of teamwork and shared vision in achieving excellence.
