All boxing activities have been banned in Ghana by the National Sports Authority following the death of two professional boxers in just seven months.
The Director of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo, in an interview on Asempa FM, confirmed the temporary ban on all boxing activities in the country on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
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According to Yaw Ampofo, the decision was necessary to pave the way for thorough investigations into the circumstances that led to the tragic death of the professional boxers, Ernest Akushey (Bahubali) and Nigeria’s Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.
All boxing activities are hence suspended pending an investigation into the death of Ernest Akushey. The deceased boxer Ernest Akushey is said to have fought in multiple bouts over the past 12–24 months, which shouldn’t have happened.
The Death of Ernest Akushey (Bahubali)
The Ghanaian professional boxer was reported dead on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, a few days after sustaining serious injuries in his fight against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12.
The 32-year-old boxer collapsed just immediately after the bout and was rushed to the LEKMA Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Ernest Akushey was known for his aggressive style and fighting spirit. While alive, he competed in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
Professionally, he stepped in the ring for eight fights, winning six. His popularity in the Bukom community in Accra earned him the nickname “Bahubali”.
The Death of Nigerian Boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju In Ghana
In March 2025, Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju also mysteriously died after collapsing during a match in Ghana.
He was facing Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Segun, during the heat of the fight, lost consciousness, collapsed, and was rushed to the Okomfo Anokye hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
According to a post-mortem report, Segun died of heart failure.
