The experienced Nigerian is three shots ahead of another expatriate Visitor Mapwanya of Zimbabwe who shot a 68.

The top three is completed by Emmanuek K. Osei, the coach of the Ankobra Golf and Country Club who shot 69 on the first day of Ghana's flagship PGA tournament.

Former winners Vincent Torgah and Emos Korblah are in fourth and fifth place after recording 70 and 71 respectively.

A trio of golfers, namely, Atiso Quarshie, Ayisah L.A. and Togolese Agbavon Francois are tied on 72.

Two-time winner and defending champion of the event, Kojo Barnni endured a torrid opening day and would be hoping to improve drastically after returning a 79 which leaves him languishing in 31st place.

The tournament swings into second-gear today on the lush greens of the Damang course where the field of 63 professional golfers will be cut down to 30 at the end of play.

The four day event is sponsored by Gold Fields as the headline sponsor with support from Zen Ghana, Genser Energy, BCL Boison Construction, WEC Construction, GASO Petroleum, ATS, De simone Limited, Wilhelm limited, BCM Mining, AIA Ghana Limited and Total Ghana.

The Championship ends on Saturday with a GHC 40,000 prize up for grabs by the winner from a total GHC 160,000 package to be split among the top 30 golfers.

Seniors tournament

Brave Mensah leads the race to the GHC 10,000 prize with an impressive 76 after the opening round.

He is trailed by Akwasi Prempeh and Peter Korsah who shot 79 and 81 respectively.