African Scrabble Community Mourns Ghana’s Victor Amartey
Oru Leonard
The African Scrabble community has been plunged into mourning following the death of one of Ghana’s most accomplished players, Victor Amartey, fondly known as “VAMA,” who passed away early on Monday.
The sad news was announced by the President of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Adekoyejo Adegbesan, after receiving confirmation from the President of the Ghana Scrabble Association, Haruna Adamu.
Expressing his grief, Adegbesan described Amartey as a pillar of Ghanaian Scrabble and a respected figure across the African Scrabble fraternity.
“I have just been informed by the President of the Scrabble Association of Ghana of the passing of one of our own, Ghana’s Victor Amartey, who died early this morning. VAMA was a constant feature in the Scrabble scene in Ghana, a formidable opponent on the board and a gentleman off it,” Adegbesan said.
He recalled first meeting Amartey in the United Kingdom several years ago and noted that their last encounter was across the Scrabble board in Accra following the 2025 WESPA Championships.
“I would like you all to join me in commiserating with our Ghanaian Scrabble family on this loss,” he added.
Amartey’s contributions to the game went beyond his reputation as a fierce competitor. Two years ago, he won the prestigious Alisa Invitational Championship, further cementing his status as one of Ghana’s leading Scrabble players.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across Africa, reflecting the immense respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.
Former African Scrabble champion Femi Awowade described the news as heartbreaking.
“OMG… This is sad. Victor was a formidable opponent back in the days and also a proper gentleman—cool and strategic. Condolences to his family and all of Ghana Scrabble Association. May God Almighty remember him for resurrection.”
On behalf of the Gambia Scrabble Federation, Ebrima Saye extended condolences to the bereaved family and the Ghanaian Scrabble community.
“On behalf of GSF and myself, heartfelt condolences are extended. May the soul of the departed rest in peace.”
President of the South African Scrabble body, Ike Obidike, also paid tribute, saying:
“May his soul rest in peace.”
The Head Coach of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Prince Anthony Ikolo, offered prayers for the late Scrabble star.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace.”
Captain of Team Nigeria at the last West African Scrabble Championship, Ben Quickpen, described Amartey’s passing as a huge loss to the Scrabble family.
“Such a big loss. My sincere condolences to the Scrabble Federation of Ghana and everyone that was very close to him. May his soul rest in peace and may his immediate family find comfort in this period.”
Also paying tribute, President of Lekki Scrabble Club, Samuel Anikoh, reflected on the inevitability of death while honouring the late Ghanaian star.
“A sad but inevitable life occurrence. May his soul find eternal peace. My condolences to his family and the SCAG community.”
Victor Amartey’s death leaves a significant void in African Scrabble. Remembered as a brilliant strategist, fierce competitor and humble gentleman, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Scrabble players across the continent.
As the African Scrabble family mourns his passing, heartfelt thoughts and prayers remain with his family, friends, teammates and the entire Ghanaian Scrabble community.
