The National Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has announced the immediate suspension of all boxing activities in Ghana following the tragic death of professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.
The directive, issued on September 25, 2025, underscores the authorities’ commitment to prioritizing the safety, health, and welfare of athletes.
Bahubali passed away 11 days after his September 12 bout against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where he was stopped in the eighth round. His untimely death has reignited concerns about the safety protocols in Ghanaian boxing.
The NSA’s statement emphasized that prior to this incident, the Ministry and NSA, together with key boxing stakeholders, had finalized plans to implement a comprehensive five-year safety and development program for the sport.
This plan, anchored by a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC), aims to strengthen medical, technical, and regulatory procedures to ensure that boxing, when resumed, operates under safer, more professional, and globally aligned standards.
“The National Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has with immediate effect, suspended all boxing activities in Ghana,” the statement read.
While the suspension may pose short-term challenges, it is deemed essential to protect lives, preserve the integrity of the sport, and secure its long-term future.
The move also aligns with measures recommended by a ministerial committee established following the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Clarewaju earlier this year.
The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe, responsible, and sustainable return of boxing in Ghana.
Bahubali’s death marks the second major tragedy in Ghanaian boxing this year, following the passing of Gabriel Aluwasegun in April, further highlighting the urgent need for stringent safety measures in the sport.
Below is a copy of the statement
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
