Ghana Suspends Boxing Amid Tragic Death of 32-Year-Old Fighter Ernest Akushey

Ghana Suspends Boxing Activities After Fighter's Death ACCRA, GHANA - The Ghanaian government has suspended all boxing activities nationwide following the death of Ernest Akushey, a 32-year-old super-middleweight boxer. Akushey, known as "Bahubali," died on Tuesday, 11 days after competing in a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. According to preliminary indications, Akushey's death may be linked to internal injuries sustained during his fight against Jacob Dickson on September 12. The National Sports Authority (NSA) has described the suspension as a "necessary step" to protect lives and uphold the integrity of the sport. "The safety of our athletes is paramount," said Dr. Emmanuel Owusu Ansah, Director-General of the NSA. "We cannot afford to compromise their well-being for the sake of competition." This incident marks the second death of a professional boxer in Ghana within six months. In March, Nigerian fighter Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed during a bout at the same venue. The suspension is part of a five-year strategy aimed at establishing safer and more professional standards for boxing in Ghana. The plan includes implementing globally-aligned regulations, providing better medical care, and increasing transparency in the sport. "The death of Ernest Akushey is a wake-up call for us to re-examine our safety protocols," said Dr. Ansah. "We must work together with stakeholders to ensure that our athletes are protected." The suspension has sparked discussions about the need for improved safety standards in boxing globally. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Council (WBC) have issued statements expressing concern over the incident. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ernest Akushey," said IBF President, Daryl J. Peoples. "We will work closely with the Ghanaian authorities to ensure that our safety guidelines are implemented effectively." The suspension is expected to remain in place until further notice. The NSA has promised to provide updates on the situation and any developments related to the five-year strategy. As the boxing community grapples with the implications of Akushey's death, experts are calling for a more comprehensive approach to athlete safety. "This incident highlights the need for a holistic approach to athlete welfare," said Dr. Owusu Ansah. "We must prioritize their safety and well-being above all else." The Ghanaian government has vowed to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that boxing activities resume safely and responsibly in the future. Background: Ghana has been grappling with issues related to athlete safety in recent months. In March, a report by the Ghana Boxing Association highlighted concerns over inadequate medical care and lack of transparency in the sport. The suspension is part of a broader effort to address these issues and establish safer standards for boxing in Ghana. Additional Perspectives: "This incident is a stark reminder of the risks involved in professional boxing," said Dr. Ansah. "We must take proactive steps to ensure that our athletes are protected." "The death of Ernest Akushey is a tragedy, but it also presents an opportunity for us to re-examine our safety protocols and prioritize athlete welfare," said IBF President Daryl J. Peoples. Current Status: The suspension remains in place until further notice. The NSA has promised to provide updates on the situation and any developments related to the five-year strategy. As the boxing community continues to grapple with the implications of Akushey's death, experts are calling for a more comprehensive approach to athlete safety. *Reporting by Bbc.*