The National Sports Authority (NSA) of Ghana has lifted the suspension on professional boxing, after banning the sport for nearly two months.
The Authority also established some new regulations aimed at improving well being of Ghanaians boxers.
On September 26 2025, the NSA suspended all boxing activities following the death of young boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known as “Bahubali.”
Buhabali died from internal bleeding days after his September 12 bout. His death, along with that of another boxer, Gabriel Oluagun Olan Roaju earlier in the year, prompted the suspension of the sport.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, November 6, 2025, the Authority announced that the suspension had been officially lifted after extensive consultations with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) overseeing boxing’s normalization process.
According to the NSA, the IMC reported significant progress in resolving the key issues that led to the suspension particularly the strengthening of medical and safety protocols, as well as improvements in governance and administrative structures.
The NSA described the development as a major step toward restoring Ghana’s illustrious and proud boxing heritage.
The Authority expressed gratitude to Interim Management Committe and all stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during this period.
“The NSA commends the IMC, athletes, boxing stakeholders, and the entire sporting community for their patience, diligence and cooperation during this period of reform,”
“The Authority looks forward to a vibrant return of professional boxing and also encourages local as well as foreign promoters investors to bring international bouts and collaborations to Ghana under these enhanced standards.”
The statement further noted that in the coming days there would be educational sessions and regular engagements improve the welfare of boxers boxing in general.
“In the coming days and weeks, there will be education and regular engagements to roll out new exciting partnerships aimed at uplifting the general well-being of Ghanaian boxers and the sports brand.”
The NSA outlined the following as the core pillars of the sport’s restructured framework:
(1) Published Medical and Safety Manuals, Codes, and Regulations
(2) Functional Interim Medical Commission
(3) Centralized Medical Database
(4) Approved Insurance Framework
(5) Sustainable Medical Support System
(6) Certified Ringside and Medical Staff
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the reforms safeguard the health and careers of athletes while maintaining Ghana’s status as one of Africa’s leading boxing nations.
