The Ghana Basketball Federation (GBBF) has been plunged into mourning following the deaths of former vice president Iddrisu Gamel Ayambire and veteran coach Lawal Peregrino-Brimah.

The federation announced the passing of both men in separate statements, paying tribute to their longstanding contributions to basketball development in Ghana.

Ayambire, who died on Thursday, November 5, served as the federation’s Vice President responsible for Technical and Developmental Programmes from 2010 to 2025.

A former national team player, he later transitioned into basketball administration and technical officiating, becoming a respected figure in Ghanaian and African basketball.

His international career included serving as a FIBA Commissioner from 2010 and a Technical Delegate from 2017. He also headed the Youth and Competitions Council of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Executive Board in 2016 and worked as a referee instructor for the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation in Africa.

Beyond basketball, Ayambire served as Head of the Sports Development Unit of the National Service Scheme, now the National Service Authority, and was a member of the Ghana Olympic Committee’s Technical Committee.

His burial is scheduled for Friday, November 6, with prayers at the Madina Zongo Junction Mosque before interment at Madina Cemetery.

Meanwhile, veteran coach Peregrino-Brimah was also remembered for his work with several clubs, including Braves of GRA, Tudu Magic, Galaxy Academy and Accra Technical University.

He served Ghana’s senior men’s national team and the U18 and U16 boys’ teams, helping develop players across different levels of the game.

Affectionately known as “Lancaster” among coaching colleagues and “Ororo” among his players, Peregrino-Brimah was a two-time Ghana Basketball Coach of the Year.

The federation said his legacy would live on through the players he mentored and the knowledge he passed on to successive generations.

The GBBF has extended condolences to the families, friends, former players and colleagues of both men, describing their deaths as a significant loss to Ghanaian basketball.