Accra, Ghana — September 2025
Boxing, long regarded as one of Ghana’s proudest sporting traditions, has been thrown into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The National Sports Authority (NSA) has temporarily suspended all boxing activities in Ghana after the tragic death of Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey, a rising boxer who collapsed in the ring and later passed away from his injuries. This decision has stirred strong reactions from fans, athletes, promoters, and the wider public, igniting a nationwide debate about safety in the sport and the future of boxing in Ghana.
A Tradition Interrupted
Boxing is not just a sport in Ghana — it is a legacy. From legends such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, and Joshua Clottey to contemporary stars like Richard Commey and Isaac Dogboe, boxing has put Ghana on the global sporting map. Many young men and women, especially from coastal communities like Bukom in Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region, view boxing as a ladder out of poverty and a chance for international recognition.
The NSA’s suspension, therefore, represents not just a pause in matches but a halt in the dreams and livelihoods of hundreds of boxers, trainers, promoters, and their families.
Why the Ban?
The immediate trigger for the suspension was the death of Ernest Akushey during a sanctioned bout. His death marked the second boxer fatality in seven months, raising alarm over whether enough medical safeguards and regulatory checks were in place.
Critics point to several possible factors:
- Inadequate medical screening before matches.
- Overworked fighters, some taking on too many bouts in too short a time.
- Poor safety equipment in certain arenas.
- Limited access to emergency response teams during provincial fights.
In announcing the suspension, the NSA emphasized that boxing would remain paused until thorough investigations are completed, and new safety protocols are either confirmed or strengthened.
The Ghana Boxing Authority’s Response
Interestingly, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), the body directly responsible for regulating professional boxing, offered a different perspective. Acting GBA President Roger Banor issued a statement dismissing rumours of a permanent ban. He clarified that boxing has not been outlawed in Ghana and insisted that the GBA had received no official directive halting the sport indefinitely.
According to Banor, boxing matches can still proceed under the usual medical and safety requirements unless otherwise directed. His comments revealed a growing tension between the NSA (which governs sports broadly) and the GBA (which oversees boxing specifically). This has left many in the boxing community confused about whether matches will go on or stay suspended.
Reactions from the Public
The news has divided public opinion:
- Supporters of the ban argue that human lives must come first. They call for stricter medical examinations, better training for referees, and immediate access to ambulances and resuscitation equipment at ringside.
- Opponents of the ban warn that Ghana risks damaging its rich boxing legacy. They argue that temporary setbacks should not erase the opportunities boxing provides for thousands of young athletes.
For promoters and gyms, the ban is devastating. Events scheduled for late September and October have either been cancelled or left in limbo, costing investors and athletes significant sums of money.
Not the First Suspension
This is not the first time boxing has faced suspension in Ghana. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, professional bouts were halted to curb the spread of the virus. More recently, the GBA has suspended individual promoters or fighters for misconduct. However, the current blanket suspension by the NSA is more unusual and dramatic, given the national outcry and the international attention Ghanaian boxing attracts.
The Way Forward
As investigations continue, experts suggest several measures that could prevent further tragedies:
- Comprehensive medical tests for all boxers before and after fights.
- Mandatory recovery periods between bouts to prevent overexertion.
- Upgraded ringside medical teams, with ambulances and defibrillators on standby.
- Closer regulation of promoters, ensuring they do not overbook fighters for financial gain.
- Investment in training facilities to match international safety standards.
These reforms could not only restore public confidence in the sport but also protect the very athletes whose courage and skill sustain Ghana’s boxing reputation.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The temporary ban has highlighted a painful truth: while Ghana celebrates the glory of its boxing champions, the grassroots of the sport remain underfunded and underregulated. The deaths of young fighters like Ernest Akushey are a tragic reminder of the cost of neglect.
For now, the ring remains silent. Whether boxing returns stronger and safer — or continues to be haunted by safety fears — depends on how seriously the authorities, promoters, and fans confront the challenges ahead.
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