Paynesville, Montserrado – Stakeholders of the Liberia Basketball Association have elected Abraham Samukai as President of the Association, along with several others. Abraham Samukai replace Rufus Anderson who served the federation for ovr eight years. He was elected at a tense Elective Congress held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the SKD Gymansium in Paynesville. Samukai defeated the nearest challenger, Jake Kabakole by 26–25 votes.
Souleymane Yameogo, a representative of the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA), Philibert Brown, the chairperson of the Liberia National Olympics Committee, G. Andy Quamie, the deputy minister of youth and sports, and sports journalists all witnessed the election.
The protracted internal strife that had gripped the association for almost four years since November 30, 2019, has ended with the election of Abraham Samukai and other elected officials.
The conflict contributed to Liberia being banned from the international scene, which resulted in the country not participating in major international competitions, including clubs. However, with the election of new officials, the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) representative at the elective congress, Souleymane Yameogo, gave Liberia 99.9% hope of lifting the ban.
On the other hand, Yanqueh Borsay was also elected Vice President for Administration, while Bruce Quaye was elected Vice President for Operations. Yanqueh Borsay beat Calvin Diggs by 30-23 votes, while Bruce Quaye won by 31-21 votes against Edwin Fahnbulleh. Malcom Joseph beat Parker Barcolleh 31- 20 votes as he was elected treasurer, while Specket Neuville won as Chairplain unopposed.
Following his pronouncement as President of the Liberia Basketball Association, Abraham Samukai promised to take the sport to another level.
“Thanks and appreciation go Basketball Stakeholders for electing me as president. I’m happy that you have elected me because the evil plans for basketball have failed. You can count on me for good leadership; basketball will be transformed to another level under my watch.”
Reported by: Sylvester Tamba
Contact: +231776687195
