The Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary with an expanded and more ambitious edition, unveiling a new “Five Theme” concept that reflects the festival’s growth and its continental aspirations.
The five-day festival will take place from December 10 to 14 at the University of Ghana Basketball Court in Legon, promising a unique blend of basketball, music, fashion and youth culture.
At the official launch in Accra, the organisers unveiled the full programme alongside a post-event 3×3 basketball competition featuring five teams vying for a GH¢2,000 cash prize and assorted sponsor gifts.
This year’s main festival will welcome teams from Ghana, China, Liberia, the USA, and Nigeria, with additional fixtures featuring Ghana Communication Technology University and Wisconsin University.
Everything is five
Speaking at the launch, Yaw Sakyi Afari, Founder of RITE Sports and lead organiser of ABF, described the fifth edition as a major milestone.
He said the “Five Theme” encapsulates the festival’s journey while signalling its ambition to become a continent-wide celebration.
“This year our theme is Five: five years, five countries, five fashion brands, five musical performances, over five days,” he said. “So please block your calendars and come celebrate with us.”
Highlighting the festival’s competitive edge, he revealed that participating teams will compete for specially customised rings, incorporating Gye Nyame symbols and an African map to celebrate the festival’s progress.
In addition to the 3×3 competition, the festival will host a shooting contest and the ABF Music Rising Star competition, each offering GH¢5,000 in prizes. Sponsors, including Minimie, Indomie, Lamborghini, and Verna Water, will also provide additional giveaways for fans.
Looking to the future, Mr Afari said ABF aims to become a touring African event. “Next year, God willing, we’ll announce the next country to host the Africa Basketball Festival in 2027.
The event will rotate across different countries through a bidding process, giving each host a year to prepare.”
NSA endorsement
The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, praised the festival as an evolution, calling it “a model of perseverance and innovation.”
Mr Ankrah added that ABF has grown into more than a sporting event, saying: “It’s more than basketball. It’s more than a festival. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a movement.”
He noted the festival’s contribution to sports development and Ghana’s tourism agenda, affirming the NSA’s commitment to expanding basketball infrastructure nationwide.
Over the past five years, the ABF has successfully merged basketball, music, fashion, and youth culture to create a unique entertainment platform.
The fifth-anniversary edition promises to showcase the festival’s evolution and lay the groundwork for a more expansive, continental future.
The event is sponsored by Glico General Insurance, GTS Drilling, Indomie Noodles, GTV Sports Plus, Points Africa, Warrior King Watches, Lamborghini Energy Drink, The Luckiest, Minimie Atsomo, Lush Hair, Verna Water, the Ghana Basketball Association, Nkonkonsa.com, Awuah Sports, and the Ghana Tourism Authority. It is organised by RITE Sports Services and hosted by the University of Ghana Sports and Wellness Directorate.
Credit: Graphic Sports
