Boxing Banned in Ghana After Tragic Ring Deaths
- Matthew Brown
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
09/25/2025
Boxing has been banned indefinitely in Ghana, the National Sports Authority (NSA) announced, following the tragic death of light heavyweight boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.
Akushey, 32, last fought on September 12 against Jacob Dickson. He collapsed after the bout and was rushed to LEKMA Hospital in Accra, where he initially recovered. But on September 22, he complained of extreme discomfort, and just 24 hours later, on September 23, he succumbed to his injuries.
NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah explained the decision to suspend all boxing activities during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, saying the ban was necessary to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Ankrah also expressed concern about the number of bouts Bahubali had since 2024, noting that his hectic schedule “shouldn’t have happened.”
This is not the first fatality to rock Ghanaian boxing in 2025. Earlier this year, Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed during a match in Ghana and later died at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. An autopsy revealed heart failure, raising serious questions about the medical clearance process that allowed him to compete.
The NSA’s sweeping suspension immediately halts four events scheduled through October 31, and it has also frozen ongoing discussions to stage a bout for former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Ghana.
For now, all plans are on hold indefinitely as officials and the boxing community grapple with two heartbreaking losses and work to ensure fighter safety moving forward.
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