Ghana’s Haruna Adamu Makes History as PANASA Elects New President
Oru Leonard
MONROVIA, Liberia — Ghana’s Haruna Adamu has emerged as the new President of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), becoming the first Ghanaian to lead the continental body in its more than 32-year history.
Adamu’s election took place during PANASA’s Annual General Meeting in Monrovia, Liberia, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, where he secured the confidence of English-playing Scrabble nations across Africa.
The Scrabble administrator and security expert was elected unopposed, succeeding Nigeria’s Adekoyejo Adegbesan at the helm of the 24-member continental organisation.
His emergence represents a historic achievement for Ghanaian Scrabble and a significant moment in the evolution of the sport’s administration across Africa.
As he assumes office, Adamu is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among member nations, expanding opportunities for players and promoting the development of Scrabble across the continent.
His leadership also comes at a time when African players are seeking greater visibility, recognition and competitiveness on the international stage.
Meanwhile, the international Scrabble community has begun congratulating the new PANASA president on his election.
The World English-Language Scrabble Players Association (WESPA) was among the organisations that welcomed his emergence, expressing optimism about the future of the game under his leadership.
In its congratulatory message, WESPA conveyed confidence that Adamu would build on the achievements of previous PANASA administrations while advancing initiatives aimed at expanding the game’s reach and strengthening its competitive structure across Africa.
The global body also underscored the importance of collaboration, improved opportunities for players and increased African participation and influence in international Scrabble affairs.
WESPA reaffirmed its readiness to work with Adamu and PANASA to promote the continued growth of Scrabble worldwide, highlighting the importance of stronger ties between the continental association and the global Scrabble community.
Adamu’s election marks a new chapter for PANASA, with expectations that his administration will consolidate existing achievements, address emerging challenges and create fresh opportunities for players and administrators across its member nations.
For Ghana, his emergence is a landmark accomplishment, placing the country at the forefront of continental Scrabble leadership for the first time in PANASA’s history.
Credit: Maxwell Kumoye
