GBA board seeks mandate extension to implement crucial reforms
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), under the interim leadership of Roger Barnor, is seeking a three-month extension from the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to complete sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening the administration of professional boxing in Ghana.
With their four-year mandate set to expire on July 22, the current GBA board is racing against time to ratify key structural changes, triggered by recent challenges, including the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olusegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a bout in Accra in March.
Although the NSA, last week, granted a 30-day grace period, the GBA is pushing for an additional three months to effectively implement recommendations of a Ministerial Committee of Enquiry and to prepare for an elective congress that will usher in a new administration.
At an extraordinary stakeholders' congress held last Saturday at The Gym in Accra, stakeholders unanimously backed a motion by respected promoter Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, seconded by Gideon Oyiadzo (alias Jingles of Cabic Promotions), entrusting the current board with the responsibility of steering the sport through this transitional phase.
Also in attendance was NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who used the platform to express confidence in the GBA’s transitional process and commended stakeholders for showing unity and a shared commitment to reform.
The congress also explored the path to elections and formal governance restructuring. In line with existing legal frameworks, the GBA has formally requested that the NSA appoint a General Secretary for the boxing governing body to enhance its operational effectiveness.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Ampofo Ankrah expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to reform. He assured the fraternity that the NSA remains committed to overseeing a smooth and democratic transition.
"We need to be deliberate about what we are doing. Boxing is economically vibrant and we must maximise our potential on all fronts," he stressed.
"We will definitely have elections—nobody can stop that—but we need the right structures in place. Ensuring Ghana presents its best at global championships starts with getting our own house in order. That’s exactly what the NSA is about."
The NSA will meet again with the acting GBA board tomorrow, July 22, for a strategic workshop focused on Ghana’s boxing ecosystem, including development pathways, safety protocols and international competitiveness.
This leadership vacuum comes after the abrupt resignation of the immediate past GBA President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye, following a series of internal disagreements and external pressures.
