Ghana’s Gertrude Banini bags Woman Candidate Master title at 45th World Chess

In an inspiring debut at the 45th World Chess Olympiad, Ghana's National Women's Chess Champion, Gertrude Banini, has achieved the prestigious Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title, cementing her place as one of the brightest talents in the chess world.

The Olympiad, held this year in Budapest, Hungary, brought together players from over 180 nations, showcasing the best of global chess talent.

Representing her country on the international stage at the 45th Chess Olympiad for the first time, Banini delivered an outstanding performance while playing on board one—the top board reserved for the strongest players from each nation.

Her poise, strategic depth, and determination caught the attention of chess enthusiasts and experts alike. Competing against seasoned players with years of international experience, Banini held her ground and displayed remarkable resilience under pressure.

"It’s been an incredible journey," Banini remarked after the event. "To play at the Olympiad has always been a dream of mine, and to leave with a title is beyond what I imagined."

The Woman Candidate Master title is awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation, to players who demonstrate exceptional skill, win at least 50% of their games, and have played a minimum of 7 games during the Olympiad.

Banini exhibited a mastery of opening strategies, calculated middlegame tactics, and endgame precision that earned her crucial victories.

Banini’s achievement is a landmark moment for her country and for women in chess. As a role model, she inspires a new generation of girls to take up the game, break barriers, and aim for excellence.

Her success underscores the growing prominence of female players in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sport.

"Gertrude’s performance at the Olympiad is a testament to her hard work and dedication," said her alumni president, Gabriel Agbanyo.

With her WCM title, Banini is now setting her sights on future milestones. She plans to compete in upcoming international tournaments, where she hopes to further refine her skills and work toward achieving the Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title.

Off the board, Banini is also committed to promoting chess among youth in her community. She has expressed a desire to start chess programs for young girls, aiming to share her passion for the game and foster talent at the grassroots level.

She also stated that she will be advocating for the creation of chess clubs in all the major regions in Ghana in order to promote chess culture in the country.

Gertrude Banini’s remarkable achievement at the 45th World Chess Olympiad is not just a personal victory but a source of pride and inspiration for her nation.