Ghana suspends boxing activities after 2 deaths in 6 months

ACCRA (BN24) — The government of Ghana has suspended all boxing activities indefinitely following the tragic death of professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey, the second such fatality in the sport within six months. The suspension, announced on Friday by the National Sports Authority (NSA) in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, reflects heightened concerns over athlete safety.

Akushey, 32, died on September 23, 2025, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, 11 days after sustaining severe injuries during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena. His death follows that of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who passed away in March 2025 after a fight in Accra. Both tragedies have sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for greater safety measures in boxing.

In a statement, the NSA confirmed that the suspension of all boxing activities would take effect immediately. The statement emphasized that the decision was made in the interest of prioritizing the health and safety of athletes. “The National Sports Authority, in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has, with immediate effect, suspended all boxing activities in Ghana,” the statement read. “This decision follows the tragic passing of professional boxer Ernest ‘Bahubali’ Akushey after his most recent bout. It reflects the joint commitment of the NSA and the Sports Ministry to prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of athletes.”

The NSA further revealed that a five-year safety and development plan had already been prepared to address the current challenges in the sport. The plan, which will focus on improving medical protocols, technical standards, and regulatory frameworks, aims to elevate Ghana’s boxing industry to meet global standards. A nine-member Interim Management Committee has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of these reforms.

While the suspension is expected to disrupt the immediate activities of the sport, authorities have stressed its necessity in restoring public confidence and ensuring the long-term sustainability of boxing in Ghana. “While the suspension may present immediate challenges, it remains a necessary step to protect lives, preserve the integrity of the sport, and secure its future,” the NSA statement continued. “It is in line with the committee set up by the Hon. Minister following the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.”

Boxing has deep cultural roots in Ghana, particularly in the Bukom community, which has produced world champions such as Azumah Nelson. The recent fatalities, however, have cast a dark shadow over the sport, reigniting calls for stricter medical protocols, better oversight, and stronger safety measures across all levels of competition.

Authorities have pledged to take all necessary steps to ensure that boxing returns to Ghana under safer, more professional, and globally compliant standards. The reforms are expected to include enhanced medical screenings, improved equipment, and more stringent regulations on match conditions to safeguard the health of boxers.

As the suspension unfolds, the boxing community in Ghana and beyond will be watching closely to see how the government’s efforts to reform the sport take shape, hoping that such tragedies are never repeated.