Boxing IMC to hand over on June 4
Ghana’s professional boxing will enter a new chapter on June 4 when a newly elected administration officially takes over the running of the sport, the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) has confirmed.
Elections to choose the new governing body will be held on June 2, with a formal handover scheduled for two days later, a transition the IMC insists will mark the completion of its reform mandate rather than any scramble to cling to office.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra yesterday, the GBIMC moved to dispel suggestions that it was reluctant to relinquish control. The committee revealed that none of its members had received any remuneration since assuming office last September, dismissing public claims that it was holding on to power because of “enormous pay”.
The media engagement, attended by National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, brought together the full IMC leadership, led by its Chairman, Samir Captan; Azumah Nelson, Brigadier-General Ishmael Ben Quartey (Rtd), Felix Quartey, Dr Hadi Mohammed Abdullah, celebrated trainer, Ofori Asare, and financial consultant and promoter, Lester Nii Amarh Kwantreng.
Key reforms
The committee was sworn in last September by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, and was tasked with sanitising the sport in the wake of two boxing-related deaths that rocked the nation.
Its core mandate included tightening medical and safety reforms, reforming governance structures and restoring public confidence in the sport.
After an initial mandate, the IMC’s tenure was extended by three months earlier this month, paving the way for a structured roadmap delivered in two distinct phases, comprising a Reform Phase (February to April) and an Election Phase (May to June).
The Reform Phase, spanning February to April, focused on incorporation processes, licensing frameworks, insurance rollout, medical protocols, constitutional amendments, stakeholder registration and regional education clinics.
It also piloted a digital health database and oversight portal, a move designed to modernise compliance and improve boxer welfare.
The Election Phase, now underway, covers nominations, vetting, campaigning and congress, culminating in the June 2 polls and the formal handover two days later.
Restoration of credibility
The IMC maintains it is on course to leave behind a more credible and accountable structure built on governance reform, improved boxer welfare and digital oversight.
In line with an NSA directive requiring all sporting federations to formalise their incorporation under Ghanaian law by April 20, pursuant to LI 2477-2023, the committee disclosed it was in consultation with the NSA over whether the professional boxing body should be registered as an “Association” or an “Authority”.
In an audacious self-assessment, the IMC scored its performance at “10/10 (100%)”, citing a raft of achievements, including restoring professional boxing after suspension, sanctioning international bouts, introducing revised medical and anti-doping protocols, initiating boxer insurance partnerships, investigating stakeholder indiscipline and establishing a framework for an Independent Medical Commission.
For Vice-Chairman and boxing legend, Azumah Nelson, the mission has always been about safeguarding the future of the sport.
