The president of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Abraham Kotei Neequaye, has expressed disappointment at the inquiry committee set up by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams.
In the early hours of Sunday, March 30, 2025, Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olariwajo, died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after collapsing in an international boxing bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The deceased Nigerian boxer lost consciousness while battling Ghanaian, John Mbanugu, in a GBA-sanctioned bout at the Bel 7 Star Professional Boxing League, which was not part of the lineup of bouts of promoters, Imax Boxing Promotions.
The 7-member committee, chaired by former GBA president Amb. Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio, is mandated to:
1. To determine the circumstances leading to the death of the Nigerian boxer (deceased) at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29, 2025.
2. To determine whether the organisers or promoters of the boxing match took adequate steps by international standards to prevent the death of the boxer.
3. To determine whether the licensing authorities in Nigeria acted with due diligence and followed procedure in allowing the boxer to accept an international match in Accra according to his qualifications and experience.
4. Examine the conduct of all officials, singular and collective, and recommend sanctions where such conduct does not meet acceptable standards.
5. To recommend any changes in technical and medical procedures necessary to ensure safety in the noble art of self-defence.
6. To consider any other matter relevant to the term set down in the matter of hearing and make appropriate recommendations to enhance the image of boxing, and safeguard the interest and safety of all participants.
These mandates, Mr. Neequaye asserts, are not being honoured by the committee but are rather looking into the activities of the GBA.
“I heard the minister say he’s forming a committee. We believe it is good, but the mode of the committee is what we have a problem with,” said Mr. Neequaye as he revealed he was invited to appear before the committee through a WhatsApp message.
“I think the committee’s focus is not on what happened on the 29th but rather diving into the activities of the GBA… What I heard from the minister is different from what I see the committee doing,” he added.
The GBA would make public the “facts” of the unfortunate incident in due time, according to Abraham Kotei Neequaye.
The other members of the committee are Peter Zwennes (Esq.), Mr. Ekow Asmah, Samuel Bartels (Esq.), Mr. Eddie Pappoe, Dr. Martin Engmann, and Mrs. Juliana Addo-Yobo (Esq.) as Secretary to the committee.
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