Electronic chessboards costing up to US$2,200 each are among the equipment challenges facing the Ghana National Chess Team, despite its achievement at the 46th Chess Olympiad.

The Ghana Chess Association raised the concern during a meeting with the Ghana Sports Fund in Accra on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, as it appealed for sustained financial support to strengthen the sport.

The Association said the high cost of specialised equipment, limited funding and inadequate access to professional training were restricting the team’s ability to prepare effectively for international competitions.

The delegation, led by President Christiana Ashley, presented the team’s medals to the Fund’s Administrator, Dr David Kofi Mawuvi Wuaku, and called for investment to build on the team’s international success.

Dr Wuaku commended the players for making Ghana proud despite limited resources, particularly recognising the contribution of the female players. He encouraged the team to win more medals for the country.

He also expressed hope that the Fund would begin supporting sports federations in 2027, as part of the government’s commitment to strengthening sports development.

The Association explained that players needed more than occasional product donations. Consistent financial support, it said, was necessary to acquire equipment, improve training, fund tournament participation and help players progress to higher international ranking categories.

The Association also plans to expand chess programmes in five to ten basic and secondary schools to develop young talent and broaden participation.

The concerns highlight the financial demands of preparing athletes for international competition and the need for sustainable funding arrangements that enable Ghanaian sporting teams to convert their potential into consistent results.