Professional boxing in Ghana is back. Last Thursday, the National Sports Authority (NSA) announced that sanctioned bouts could resume, following months of suspension that exposed deep flaws in the sport’s governance and safety systems.
The announcement, made after consultations with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) overseeing normalisation, marks a pivotal step in reviving Ghana’s storied boxing heritage.
But resumption alone is not enough—the reforms must be fully embraced by all stakeholders if the sport is to flourish.
The suspension followed the tragic deaths of Ernest Akushey and Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, whose fatal bouts underscored glaring weaknesses in medical oversight, anti-doping protocols, and administrative structures.
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Boxing at a crossroads: Why Ghana must embrace reform to protect fighters, preserve the sport
Public confidence had been shaken, and international investors were wary of staging events in the country.
The government acted decisively, establishing the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) to implement urgent reforms, strengthen anti-doping measures, enforce medical safeguards, and guide the sport towards democratic elections for new leadership of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
Under the leadership of former GBA chairman Samir Captan and with boxing legend Azumah Nelson as vice-chairman, the IMC has delivered a comprehensive overhaul of the sport.
Reforms include published medical and safety manuals, a functional interim medical commission, a centralised medical database, certified ringside and medical personnel, and an approved insurance framework.
Oversight by the Ghana Boxing Medical and Anti-Doping Team ensures full implementation and compliance with international standards.
The NSA has praised stakeholders for their patience and cooperation but issued a clear warning: the sport’s revival depends on the unwavering commitment of promoters, athletes, and administrators.
These reforms are not optional—they are essential for building a professional, safe, and globally respected boxing ecosystem.
The commercial potential is immense. British promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing will make its African debut in Accra on December 20, while Bishop Promotions stages “Best of Bukom 2” on January 1, 2026. Local promoter Ayitey Powers is also awaiting clearance for a rescheduled “Judgement Day” card.
These events signal international attention is returning—but only if the medical and safety protocols are rigorously enforced.
NSA Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, describes the suspension as a necessary cleansing of Ghanaian boxing.
“The suspension has sanitised Ghanaian boxing, giving confidence to international investors that the right structures are now in place,” he said.
For the Graphic Sports, the message is clear. Ghana can no longer tolerate shortcuts or complacency.
For the sport to reclaim its rightful place on the global stage, all stakeholders must uphold accountability, prioritise athlete welfare, and embrace the reforms fully.
The rules are in place, the framework is ready, and the international spotlight is returning.
The ring can now be safe again, but only if those inside it respect the responsibility they bear. Ghanaian boxing is at a crossroads, and the path chosen will determine whether the sport thrives—or falters once more.
