When Abu National walks into a Dame Tournament, the energy shifts. People whisper his name with a mix of awe and anticipation. Children rise from their seats. Old men lean forward.
The weight of his legacy travels ahead of him, and yet, the man himself carries it with surprising humility.
For someone who has dominated Kumasi’s draughts scene for years and lifted Ghana’s flag across multiple African tournaments, Abu National speaks of the game with the measured tone of a craftsman, equal parts proud, disciplined, and deeply grounded.
But he wasn’t always this way.
“When I was coming up, I had no respect for people I saw as lesser players,” he admits.
“I have been humbled a number of times because I thought I could not be beaten. Now, I do not underestimate any game or player.”
That humility has become one of his greatest strategic tools. It sharpens his focus, steadies his mind, and keeps him hungry, qualities that once again carried him to victory at the Dame Dame Kumasi Edition, where he emerged champion in front of his home crowd.
For Abu National, Kumasi isn’t just a venue. It’s his kingdom.
“I can settle for losing on a national platform than in Kumasi. Asanteman is my home. When it comes to Draughts in Kumasi, I remain unbeaten. No player can match up to me.”
The pride isn’t arrogance, it’s duty. It’s culture. It’s belonging. Especially when royalty itself is watching.
“There is no greater honour than having the Asantehene come to watch me play. I cannot let Asanteman and Opemsuo down.”
More Than a Draughts Champion
Beyond the board, Abu National is not the intimidating strategist one might expect. He lights up when talking about everyday life, particularly his gift with his hands.
“I am very handy. When I was a child, I could fix any faulty gadget. Even now, I sometimes fix minor issues on my car. Most people only know me as a champion draughts player. There is a lot more to who I am.”
It’s these layers—champion, innovator, mechanic, national icon—that make him one of Ghana’s most compelling sportsmen.
His achievements extend far beyond Kumasi: “I have won championships in Ghana and across Africa. I am not just a national icon, I am internationally acclaimed.”
Yet even with all the medals and titles, Abu National insists on staying grounded.
“I try not to let my history get to my head. Every game is unique in its own way. I am not intimidated by any player, but I will not underestimate any player now either.”
A Champion Powered by Gratitude
Greatness, he insists, is never a solo journey.
“I’m grateful to my manager, the fans, and The Asantehene for believing in me. I will continue to make him proud.”
As the Dame Dame Grand Finale draws closer, all eyes turn to the Bukom Boxing Arena. Sixteen champions will converge for the crown—but none carry the weight of expectation quite like Abu National.
Unbeaten in Kumasi.
Feared across Ghana.
Respected across Africa.
Driven by humility.
Powered by culture.
And ready—always ready—to defend the throne.
