Ghanaian Boxing Stakeholders Reject NSA Suspension and GBA Board Overhaul

A coalition of major stakeholders in Ghana’s professional boxing scene has strongly condemned the National Sports Authority (NSA)’s decision to suspend all boxing activities and dissolve the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) board in favour of an Interim Management Committee (IMC).

The NSA’s move follows the tragic death of Ghanaian professional boxer Ernest Akushey, also known as “Bahubali”, who died days after a recent bout. His death came months after Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju passed away following a fight in Accra in March.

In a press statement, the Committee for Professional Boxing Stakeholders (CPBS) — which includes the Professional Boxers Association of Ghana, United Boxing Coaches Association, Boxing Promoters Association of Ghana, Matchmakers & Agents Association, Veteran Boxers Association, Boxing Ring Officials Association, and the Boxing Managers Association — described the NSA’s decision as “irrational and unlawful.”

“Affront to the GBA Constitution”

The CPBS argued that the GBA operates under a constitution, and only its congress holds the legal authority to elect or remove board members.

“The decision of the NSA is a complete overthrow of the GBA constitution and, for that matter, cannot be countenanced by us,” the stakeholders stated.

While the group acknowledged the need for reforms to enhance boxer safety, it emphasized that any changes must be implemented in collaboration with the GBA, not through what it described as “usurpation of authority.”

“It is absolutely outrageous to set aside the GBA and replace its board with an IMC. This is a total affront to the constitution of the GBA.”

On Akushey’s Death: “Protocols Were Followed”

Addressing the death of Akushey, the CPBS defended the handling of the fight, noting that the boxer died 11 days after the bout and that all required medical protocols were observed before and after the contest.

“The cause of his death is unknown, and the NSA cannot purport to premise its decision on that,” the statement read.

Stakeholders Threaten Protests and Legal Action

The stakeholders also outlined a series of escalating actions should the NSA refuse to reverse its decision. These include:

• A three-day nationwide protest

• Closure of all professional boxing gyms

• Suspension of boxing events

• Total non-cooperation with the IMC

• A potential legal challenge against the NSA

They stressed that reforms suggested by the Seven-Member Ministerial Committee, set up in the wake of Olanrewaju’s death, must be executed in partnership with the GBA, not at its expense. “The right approach should be collaboration and not usurpation.”

Uncertain Future for Ghanaian Boxing

As of press time, the NSA has not issued a response to the CPBS statement. The standoff leaves the future of professional boxing in Ghana in limbo, with gyms, promoters, and athletes unclear about when — or if — sanctioned events will resume.

Meanwhile, several Ghanaian fighters, including Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Samuel Takyi, are still expected to compete on Wednesday’s DAZN-televised card in Nigeria, promoted by Balmoral and Amir Khan. However, it remains uncertain when Ghanaian boxers will next have the opportunity to compete on home soil.