By: Lawrencia Nyamekye Adjei
Spectacular, amazing, beautiful, extraordinary and impressive! These are just some of the words fans who trooped to the Bukom Boxing Arena used to describe the just ended Africa Basketball Festival which was organised by Rite Sports and powered by GTV Sports and Lifestyle TV.
The 3-day exhibition of music, fashion and basketball was a total shut down.
Whether it was the players portraying their athletism in shooting 3 pointers or dunks or when the models from Beautiful Beneath or Bloom by Edzi showcased some nice pieces or the music from Krymi, Kobi Rana or the energetic 5 Star University Cheerleaders.
Day 1 of the Africa Basketball Festival was all about the glitz and glamour on the red carpet and officially opening the festival.
Representatives from the 6 participating countries including Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Liberia, France and USA were all present clad in different designs to match the high fashion theme of the red carpet. Members from the Basketball community in Ghana were also present.
The Sports Ministry aa well as delegation from the Ga Mantse’s palace added to the beauty of the program which was live on GTV Sports+.
Well I did save the best for the last as the hundreds of guests who were present were treated to some delicious and finger licking small chops during the cock tail session. The countries were presented with their jerseys for the battle ahead.
Day 2 was all about basketball and music. Therefore, as fans marched on to the stands, the players warmed up for their various games. After 8 halves of 4 matches in the Africa contest Ghana reigned supreme.
Ghana won 43-32 Togo
Nigeria 19-24 Liberia
Togo 34-33 Nigeria
Ghana 40-35 Liberia
Meanwhile, France beat USA in the first leg of the international meet.
Day 3 was a buffet of activities as the festival was gradually coming to a close. France played against USA but this time, Yankees won to set a grande finale date with Ghana.
The dancers from the 5 Star Cheerleaders crew literally brought the roof down with their energetic and sultry dance moves.
Then the much awaited contest between Accra Technical University and University of Ghana Legon saw more basketball loving fans rushing to the arena to catch their school in action. Accra Technical University proved themselves right by winning against UG.
The models walked the court turned runway in some classy pieces from Bloom by Edzi.
The Beautiful Beneath models in their sexy lingerie and night wear increased the temperature of the arena to set the stage for the finale.
Team Ghana played a good game against the USA and won their 2 trophy. The amazing 3-day event left fans wanting more, but Rite Sports, organizers of ABF promises another thrilling event next year.