The National Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has announced the immediate suspension of all boxing activities in Ghana following the tragic death of professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the decision reflects the joint commitment of the NSA and the Ministry to prioritise the safety, health, and welfare of athletes.
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The NSA noted that preparations had already been completed to roll out reforms recommended by the Ministerial Committee on Boxing, including a five-year safety and development plan.
The reforms are anchored on the establishment of a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the sport.
The suspension, the Authority explained, will allow time to strengthen medical, technical, and regulatory procedures to ensure that boxing in Ghana returns under safer, more professional, and globally aligned standards.
The NSA and the Ministry called on all stakeholders — promoters, coaches, athletes, supporters, and the media — to respect the directive, stressing that although the suspension may pose immediate challenges, it is necessary to save lives, protect the integrity of the sport, and secure its future.
The statement added that the move is in line with broader reforms being pursued after the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.
“Together with our partners, we remain committed to guiding the safe, responsible, and sustainable return of boxing in Ghana,” the NSA assured.
Earlier in March 2025, a former West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, died after collapsing during a boxing match in Ghana on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Olanrewaju was competing against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena when he suddenly lost consciousness.
Segun, a 40-year-old veteran of the sport, was competing in an undercard bout of Ghana’s Professional Boxing League’s Fight Night 15 when the unthinkable occurred.
