NSA Suspends All Boxing Activities in Ghana After Death of Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey

The National Sports Authority (NSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has suspended all boxing activities in Ghana following the sudden death of professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.

The tragic incident, which occurred after his most recent bout, has sparked urgent reforms in the sport. In a press statement issued on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the NSA described the suspension as a necessary measure to protect athletes and restore confidence in Ghanaian boxing.

“This suspension, though challenging, is necessary to protect lives, preserve the integrity of the sport, and secure its future,” the statement said.

Five-Year Safety and Development Plan

The NSA revealed that, even before Akushey’s passing, plans were underway to implement the recommendations of a Ministerial Committee on Boxing. These include:

• A five-year safety and development plan for the sport.
• The establishment of a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee medical, technical, and regulatory standards.
• Stricter health and safety checks to align Ghanaian boxing with international best practices.

Past Concerns Over Boxer Safety

The decision also follows growing concerns over boxer safety, highlighted by the earlier death of Nigerian fighter Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju. His passing had prompted the Sports Ministry to review existing safety protocols.

Appeal to Stakeholders

The NSA and the Sports Ministry have called on promoters, coaches, athletes, officials, supporters, and the media to respect the directive while the reforms are put in place.

They assured the boxing fraternity and the public of their commitment to guiding the safe, responsible, and sustainable return of the sport in Ghana.