The Ghana Basketball Association (GBBA) says the creation of the National Basketball Championship is already helping to lift the standard of regional competitions and will continue to drive the growth of the sport across the country.
GBBA President Ato Van Ess explained that the competition, which debuted in December 2022, has given players new motivation to perform strongly in their regional leagues. He said many athletes previously had no clear pathway beyond regional tournaments, but the championship has changed that by linking local performances to national and even international opportunities.
According to Van Ess, the second edition of the event promises to be even more competitive. “Last year, there was a lot of skepticism because some players doubted that a national tournament would actually take place,” he noted. “Now they know that performing well in the regional leagues can earn them a spot in the national championship and even open doors to continental events like the Basketball Africa League or selection to the national team.”
Clear Pathway From Local to International Stage
The GBBA president stressed that the competition gives players a visible progression route. Previously, regional games were seen as the end of the road, but with the new structure, athletes understand there is a bigger stage ahead. “The opportunity to move from regional level to the national championship and eventually onto the international stage has created real motivation,” he said. “This makes the regional leagues more competitive and raises the overall quality of play.”
First Edition in Cape Coast
The inaugural National Basketball Championship was held in Cape Coast in December 2022, bringing together top teams from across Ghana. Accra Basketball Club claimed victory in the men’s division, while Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) lifted the women’s title. The tournament marked the first time teams from all regions competed in a unified national competition, a milestone the GBBA believes will transform the game’s development in the country.
Basketball’s Rising Popularity in Ghana
Van Ess also highlighted basketball’s growing influence, calling it the fastest-rising sport in Ghana. He pointed to strong participation in the 2022 Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games and the large turnout at the Cape Coast championship as clear signs of the game’s momentum.
“The enthusiasm is undeniable. At university games and during the national championship, the number of players and spectators was remarkable,” he said. “Basketball has always attracted the youth, and its fast pace and entertainment value make it difficult to ignore. Whenever a game is played, people stop to watch.”
He added that the sport’s appeal goes beyond entertainment, with many young people eager to play or get involved in other ways. “When we speak with the youth, everyone is talking about basketball. They want to be a part of it, whether on the court or supporting in other capacities,” Van Ess explained.
With stronger structures now in place, the GBBA believes Ghanaian basketball is entering a new era, where regional leagues feed directly into national competition and create opportunities for international recognition.
