Follow Us on Google
Basketball in West Africa’s Zone Three is grieving a man who gave his working life to the game. Mr Idrissu Ayambire, member of the Ghana Basketball Federation Board and Head of Competitions and Technical Council of FIBA Africa Zone Three, died on Thursday morning at his home in Accra.
Zone Three President, Col Sam Ahmedu (rtd), has sent condolence messages to the Ghana Basketball Association (GBBA) President, Alex Kukula, and to the wider Zone Three and Ghana basketball family. He said the news came at a time when many believed Ayambire was recovering and getting ready to continue his good works for the sport.
“The news of Idrissu’s death came to me as a rude shock. I knew his health challenges and as a body, we did our best to assist him but God knows best. He was a principled man and contributed to the growth of the Zone in his capacity as a technical official. We will miss his wise counsel.
“On behalf of the Zone board and the national Federations, I pray for the repose of his soul and ask that God strengthens the family to bear the loss,” Ahmedu said.
In the second message, Ahmedu spoke of “profound sadness and deep sorrow” at the passing of “our dear brother and colleague.” On behalf of the Zone Three family and in his own name, he extended condolences to Ayambire’s bereaved family, the Ghana basketball authorities and the entire sporting community of Ghana.
He described the late official as a dedicated, passionate and committed administrator whose unwavering service contributed significantly to the development of basketball in Ghana and across the Zone. His sense of duty, dedication and admirable human qualities, Ahmedu said, will forever remain in the memory of colleagues, and his passing “leaves a profound void within our basketball family.”
Ayambire’s contribution was not limited to the boardroom. He was a retired referee, a Match Commissioner and a FIBA delegate, experience that gave him a rare view of the game from the court, the table and the administrator’s desk.
The Zone president said his thoughts and prayers are with the family, loved ones and all who had the privilege of working alongside him, and prayed that the Almighty grants them strength, courage and comfort to bear the loss.
“Rest in peace, dear Idrissu. You will forever remain in our hearts,” Ahmedu concluded.
