The National Sports Authority (NSA), in coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has announced the immediate suspension of all boxing activities nationwide. This decisive action comes in the wake of the tragic passing of professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.
In an official statement released on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the NSA underscored that the suspension is a necessary step to prioritize athlete safety, health, and welfare. The pause in activities will facilitate the urgent implementation of comprehensive reforms recommended by the Ministerial Committee on Boxing, including a new five-year safety and development plan.
A central component of these reforms is the establishment of a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC) tasked with overseeing the sport during this transitional period. The suspension is intended to provide the time required to strengthen medical protocols, technical standards, and regulatory frameworks. The ultimate objective is to ensure that boxing in Ghana resumes under safer, more professional, and internationally aligned conditions.
The NSA and the Ministry have called upon all stakeholders—including promoters, coaches, athletes, and the media—to comply fully with the directive. While acknowledging the immediate disruptions the suspension may cause, the authorities emphasized that this measure is essential to prevent further tragedies, protect the sport’s integrity, and secure its long-term future.
This initiative is also part of broader safety reforms being pursued following the recent death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju. The veteran fighter, a former West African light-heavyweight champion, collapsed during a bout in Ghana on March 29, 2025.
“Together with our partners, we remain committed to guiding the safe, responsible, and sustainable return of boxing in Ghana,” the NSA assured in its statement.
