Organizers of the Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) have unveiled a bigger, bolder fifth-anniversary edition, signaling a refreshed vision built around a unique “Five Theme” spotlighting the event’s growth and future ambitions.
The festival, now a major attraction on Ghana’s December entertainment calendar will run from December 10–14, 2025, at the University of Ghana Basketball Court in Legon.
At the official launch on Wednesday, November 19, organisers announced the full programme lineup and hosted a post-event 3×3 tournament featuring five teams battling for a GH¢2,000 cash prize and assorted items from sponsors. The 2025 edition will feature teams from Ghana, China, Liberia, the USA and Nigeria, with an added fixture between Ghana Communication Technology University and Wisconsin University.
Speaking after the launch, Yaw Sakyi Afari, Founder of RITE Sports and lead organiser of the ABF, described the fifth edition as a defining moment for the brand. He said this year’s concept captures both the festival’s journey and its ambition to become a continental celebration of basketball, music and fashion.
“We’re excited about an amazing fifth anniversary. It begins on December 10 and ends on the 14th, with five countries participating,” he said.
He explained that the entire programme has been intentionally structured around the number five:
five years, five countries, five fashion brands, five musical performances—over five days.
He also revealed that fans should expect giveaways throughout the festival.
“We have a lot of prizes from our sponsors, and you won’t regret making time for us,” he added.
Mr. Afari also announced that the participating teams will compete for specially designed championship rings.
“These rings are like nothing we’ve seen before in Ghana,” he said, noting that the design incorporates the Gye Nyame symbol and an African map to represent the festival’s growth.
Additional GH¢5,000 prizes will be awarded for both the Shooting Contest and the ABF Music Rising Star competition. Brands such as Minimie, Indomie, Lamborghini and Verna Water will also provide special rewards for fans.
Looking ahead, Mr. Afari revealed that the ABF is preparing to become a touring African event.
“By this time next year, God willing, we’ll announce the next country to host the Africa Basketball Festival in 2027,” he said, explaining that future editions will rotate through a bidding process.
The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, praised the festival’s evolution, commending Afari’s persistence.
“Very challenging, very difficult, but he kept pushing. He saw the dream ahead,” he said.
Mr. Ankrah described the ABF as more than just a sporting event:
“It’s a lifestyle. It’s a movement.”
He added that the festival aligns with Ghana’s tourism agenda and highlighted growing international interest from countries such as Liberia, Nigeria, China and the USA. He also reaffirmed the NSA’s commitment to improving basketball infrastructure across the country.
Over the past five years, the Africa Basketball Festival has blended basketball, music, fashion and youth culture into a standout December experience. Organisers believe the fifth-anniversary edition will cement its identity and lay the groundwork for an expanded future beyond Ghana’s borders.
This year’s event is supported 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.
