Africa Basketball Festival 2023 tips off with spectacular opening ceremony

The much-anticipated opening ceremony for the 2023 edition of the Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) took centre stage at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The event, a fusion of sports, music, and fashion, welcomed dignitaries from the Ga Mantse office, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, executives of the Ghana Basketball Federation, and officials from the diplomatic community.

In his opening remarks, Yaw Sakyi Afari, the Chief Executive Officer of RITE Sports, and the event organizers, extended a warm welcome to all participating teams. 

He assured attendees that all necessary measures for a seamless and successful event had been implemented. 

Afari highlighted that the ABF, supported by the Year of Return secretariat, aims to provide a platform for sports, entertainment, and music enthusiasts to revel in all three aspects under one umbrella.

Afari reminisced about the event's humble beginnings, noting its remarkable expansion over the years, now ranking among the top Christmas shows in the country. The 2023 edition promises to be a unique celebration of sports and entertainment.

Ato Van-Ess, the President of the Ghana Basketball Federation, hailed the 2023 ABF as a historic edition featuring eight competitive teams. Commending RITE Sports for their commitment to promoting basketball, Van-Ess urged other basketball promoters to draw inspiration from the consistent delivery of RITE Sports.

Reflecting on the rise of ABF since 2019, Van-Ess expressed confidence that the event would continue on an upward trajectory, soon becoming a continental showpiece. He emphasized that the tournament is a celebration of basketball in Ghana, urging participating players to showcase their skills, as scouts will be in attendance.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of jerseys for the eight participating teams, with Team Ghana expressing determination to defend the trophy they clinched in the previous year. 

As the festival unfolds, basketball enthusiasts and fans eagerly anticipate thrilling matches and memorable moments in this unique fusion of sports and entertainment.