Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA), in coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has imposed an indefinite suspension on all boxing activities nationwide following the death of professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.
The decision, announced Thursday, comes amid growing concerns over athlete safety after a string of high-profile tragedies in the ring. Officials say the suspension will remain in place while sweeping reforms are implemented to bolster medical oversight and regulatory standards across the sport.
In a statement, the NSA described the move as a “difficult but necessary measure” to safeguard the lives of athletes and restore integrity to one of the country’s most popular sports. The suspension is intended to give regulators the space to enforce recommendations issued by a Ministerial Committee on Boxing earlier this year.
Key among the planned reforms is the formation of a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC), which will be tasked with overseeing the sport’s operations, safety protocols, and long-term development. The NSA also highlighted a five-year strategic plan to align Ghana’s boxing standards with international best practices.
“The safety, health, and welfare of our athletes must remain non-negotiable,” the Authority said in the release. “While this decision may create short-term challenges, it is a critical step toward ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for Ghanaian boxing.”
The suspension follows not only the recent death of Akushey, but also that of Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, who collapsed and died during a match at Accra’s Bukom Boxing Arena in March. Olanrewaju, a 40-year-old former West African light-heavyweight champion, was competing on the undercard of Fight Night 15 in the Ghana Professional Boxing League.
These incidents have raised alarms about the adequacy of ringside medical care, pre-fight screenings, and post-fight monitoring in Ghana’s professional boxing circuit. In both cases, calls intensified for urgent regulatory reforms.
The NSA acknowledged the pain and disruption the suspension may cause to promoters, coaches, athletes, and fans, but maintained that it was acting with “responsible urgency.” The Ministry of Youth and Sports echoed that sentiment, citing a broader push to professionalize boxing and avert further loss of life.
“Together with our partners, we remain committed to guiding the safe, responsible, and sustainable return of boxing in Ghana,” the NSA said.
No timeline has yet been provided for the lifting of the suspension.
