By Jamesetta D. Williams
Monrovia-Liberia is expected to host between 100 and 150 players and officials from across Africa for the 16th African Scrabble Championship (ASC 16), scheduled for October 22–25, 2026, in Monrovia.
The four-day continental championship, organized under the auspices of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), will bring together some of Africa’s top Scrabble players to compete and promote intellectual sports, sportsmanship, and African unity.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Lester D. Morris Jr., President of the National Scrabble Association of Liberia (NASAL), described the championship as a significant milestone for Scrabble development in Liberia and an opportunity to showcase the country’s ability to host continental sporting events.
Morris said the competition would also help raise Liberia’s international sporting profile, promote sports tourism, and create economic opportunities for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers.
Among the countries expected to participate are Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at 9:00 a.m. at the Banquet Hall of the Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
Morris expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia, particularly President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, for its financial support toward the championship.
He specifically acknowledged Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia W. Kruah and her ministry for providing substantial financial assistance that has covered a large portion of the tournament’s budget.
According to him, the government’s contribution has played a significant role in advancing preparations for the continental event.
He described the support as an investment in Liberia’s sporting future and said NASAL looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the government beyond the championship.
The NASAL president also thanked the Liberia Immigration Service for granting visa waivers to facilitate the entry of visiting players and officials.
He further acknowledged the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) and the National Port Authority (NPA) for their contributions toward the championship’s prize pool.
Despite the support received so far, Morris said NASAL is seeking additional financial assistance to complete the championship’s prize pool.
He appealed to the Government of Liberia, corporate institutions, development partners, sporting organizations, and well-meaning individuals to contribute toward the effort.
According to Morris, completing the prize pool would enable the association to appropriately recognize the achievements of participating players and deliver a championship that meets continental standards.
He also called on the media to help publicize the event, acknowledge its partners, and highlight the educational and developmental benefits of Scrabble.
Beyond the competition, Morris said NASAL remains committed to expanding Scrabble across Liberia, particularly among children and young people.
He explained that Scrabble is more than a board game, noting that it helps players improve their vocabulary, spelling, concentration, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
He said the association intends to expand the game beyond Monrovia through school programs, community playing centers, and grassroots development initiatives.
According to him, these efforts are aimed at giving more Liberian children and young people opportunities to develop their intellectual abilities, discover their talents, and participate in organized competitions.
Morris emphasized that collaboration among NASAL, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, educational institutions, and other stakeholders would be important in achieving the association’s objectives.
He said hosting ASC 16 presents an opportunity for Liberia to strengthen its commitment to intellectual development, youth empowerment, and sports promotion while building stronger relationships with other African countries.
The championship is expected to bring together players and officials from across the continent for four days of competition and engagement, placing Liberia at the center of African Scrabble during the event.
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