The National Sports Authority (NSA) has suspended all boxing activities across the country following the death of Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey popularly known as Bahubali.
The indefinite ban was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
It comes days after Ernest Akushey collapsed and later died at the LEKMA Hospital, following an earlier fight at Bukom.
In a statement released on September 25, the NSA said the decision reflects the joint commitment of the NSA and the Ministry of Sports to prioritize the health and safety of athletes.
“This decision follows the tragic passing of professional boxer Ernest ‘Bahubali’ Akushey after his most recent bout. It is worth noting that prior to this unfortunate incident, the NSA and the Ministry, together with key stakeholders in the boxing fraternity, had concluded preparations for a comprehensive five-year safety and development plan,” the statement said.
The NSA noted that the planned reforms which is anchored by a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC), will address weaknesses in medical, technical, and regulatory procedures within the sport.
“These measures are designed to strengthen medical, technical, and regulatory procedures, ensuring that when boxing returns, it will operate under safer, more professional, and more globally-aligned conditions,” the statement noted.
The authority further explained that the reforms will include mandatory pre-fight medical checks, standardized training for officials, and post-fight medical protocols.
They assured the public of its determination to guide the safe, responsible, and sustainable growth of boxing in Ghana.
The tragedy reignited concerns about safety standards in Ghanaian boxing and the sport in general.
Earlier this year, Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju also collapsed and died after a bout.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, however tributes have been pouring in from fans and Ghanaians.
