Organisers of the Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) have announced an expanded and more ambitious fifth-anniversary edition, unveiling a refreshed direction anchored on a “Five Theme” that highlights the event’s growth and future aspirations.
The festival, which has evolved into a major December attraction, will run from December 10-14, 2025, at the University of Ghana Basketball Court in Legon.
The official launch on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 3 p.m., featured the reveal of the full line-up and a post-event 3x3 basketball competition involving five teams competing for a GH¢2,000 cash prize and assorted items from sponsors. Participating countries for the main festival are Ghana, China, Liberia, the USA and Nigeria, with an additional fixture featuring Ghana Communication Technology University and Wisconsin University.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, Founder of RITE Sports and ABF lead organiser, Yaw Sakyi Afari, said the fifth edition represents a significant milestone for the brand. He noted that the programming reflects the journey so far and the ambition for a continent-wide celebration of basketball, fashion and music.
“We're looking forward to such an amazing fifth anniversary which will start from the 10th of December and climax on the 14th of December with five countries,” he said.
He added that this year’s concept ties together multiple five-themed activities, explaining: “So this year we've themed at five; five years, five countries, five fashion brands, five musical performances, over five days and so please block on your calendars and come and celebrate with us.”
He said fans should expect giveaways throughout the festival. “Fortunately, we have a lot of prizes you know from our sponsors to give away and you would never regret it that you make time to spend with us,” he said. “We're looking forward to welcoming you to the fifth anniversary of the Africa Basketball Festival.”
Mr Afari announced that the five participating teams will compete for specially customised rings. “So this year we have specially customised rings, I mean these rings I'm not sure you've ever seen that in Ghana before,” he said. He noted that the rings include “some Gye Nyame in there” as well as an African map to symbolise the festival’s progress.
There will also be GH¢5,000 prizes for both the shooting contest and the ABF Music Rising Star competition. “Everything is five,” he said, adding that a range of brands, including Minimie, Indomie, Lamborghini and Verna Water will offer additional prizes for fans throughout the festival.
Highlighting the festival’s long-term vision, Mr Afari revealed that the ABF is preparing to become a touring African event. “Next year, by this time, God willing, we'll be announcing the next country that will be hosting the Africa Basketball Festival in 2027,” he said. He explained that the event is intended to become a global celebration that will rotate across different countries through a bidding process. “Once a country is chosen, the big announcement will be made next year, by this time, so people can have a year to prepare,” he added.
The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, praised the festival’s growth, describing it as a model of perseverance and innovation. “Let me commend Yaw Sakyi Afari for doing a great job,” he said. “Very challenging, very difficult, but he kept on pushing. I'm sure he saw the dream ahead and that was what matters.”
He said the ABF has become more than a sporting event. “It's more than basketball. It's more than a festival. It's a lifestyle. It's a movement,” he said. According to him, the festival is contributing to both sports development and Ghana’s tourism agenda. “We're moving into an era where His Excellency, the President, John Mahama, has been hitting it continuously. We need to sell Ghana, the good side of Ghana, every opportunity,” he said.
He expressed optimism about the growing interest from international teams and fans, noting the participation of countries such as Liberia, Nigeria, China and the United States. He added that the story of the festival’s founder would inspire young people across the sports ecosystem.
Mr Ankrah said the NSA is committed to expanding basketball infrastructure nationwide. “Definitely basketball is on the menu,” he said. “In due course, officially, you would hear what plans the National Sports Authority, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has for basketball and indeed the sporting ecosystem.”
Over the past five years, the Africa Basketball Festival has combined basketball, music, fashion and youth culture to create a unique entertainment platform. Organisers say the fifth-anniversary edition will showcase its evolution and set the foundation for a more expansive future as the festival looks beyond Ghana’s borders.
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.
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