Ghana Boxing Suspended After Death of Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey
- Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali, died on September 23, 2025, a day after falling ill
- The National Sports Authority, acting in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has suspended all boxing activities in Ghana
- Akushey's passing has left fans in shock, sparking renewed debate about the state of boxing in Ghana
- Jeremiah Obo Assan urges health education and monthly medical checks for Ghanaian boxers to help curb health issues happening to boxers
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has announced the immediate suspension of all boxing activities in Ghana following the tragic death of professional boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali.
Akushey passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after reportedly falling ill on September 22, with his condition worsening overnight.
Source: Twitter
His death came just two weeks after he took part in a highly controversial bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena, where he lost to rising contender Jacob Dickson, per Ghanaweb.
A viral video from the super middleweight contest showed Bahubali struggling to cope with Dickson’s intensity.
Below is the X video of the fight between Bahubali and Jacob Dickson.
He endured a series of heavy blows before ultimately suffering defeat via an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO).
Reports later indicated that Akushey suffered internal bleeding, leading to his death on Tuesday morning.
The disturbing footage of the fight sparked outrage online, with many social media users criticising the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) for allowing what they described as a dangerously one-sided contest.
Source: Facebook
In response, the NSA, acting in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, issued a statement on Thursday, September 25, 2025, announcing that all boxing activities in the country have been suspended with immediate effect.
Per Citisports, the NSA emphasised that the decision was made to prioritise the safety, health, and welfare of athletes while investigations into the circumstances surrounding Bahubali’s death are conducted.
"It reflects the joint commitment of the NSA and the Sports Ministry to prioritize the safety, health and welfare of athletes," the NSA said in a press release.
"The NSA and the Sports Ministry therefore calls on all stakeholders - promoters, coaches, officials, athletes, supporters and the media - to fully respect this directive."
Below is the full statement shared on X:
Bahubali’s death marks the second tragedy in Ghanaian boxing this year, following the passing of Nigerian Gabriel Aluwasegun in March in Ghana.
Olanrewaju was facing Accra-born John Mbanugu, nicknamed "Power," in an undercard bout of Ghana's Professional Boxing League when the tragic incident occurred at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Nicknamed Success, Olanrewaju suddenly fell to the canvas mid-fight, prompting the referee to immediately call for medical assistance.
Despite urgent attempts to revive him, the 40-year-old boxer was pronounced dead, with reports suggesting he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
The Ghana Boxing Authority later released the details of the sudden passing of the Nigerian boxer.
Ghanaian journalist welcomes boxing suspension
Ghanaian boxing journalist Prince Dornu-Leiku has welcomed the suspension of boxing in Ghana, describing it as a necessary step in the right direction.
He stressed that the sport is facing deeper issues that must be addressed to ensure the safety and welfare of athletes moving forward.
Dornu-Leiku told YEN.com.gh:
“I think suspending boxing is the step in the right direction. We cannot continue to lose young talents in such tragic circumstances.”
He added: “There are a whole lot of issues that need to be addressed , from medical checks to safety protocols and the way bouts are sanctioned. Until these are fixed, the sport will remain a danger to the very people who make it what it is.”
Jeremiah Obo Assan calls for boxer safety
YEN.com.gh, in an interview with Jeremiah Obo Assan, a US-based Ghanaian nursing officer and medical gerontologist, reported that he urged the government to set up a programme that will educate local boxers on the potential risks associated with the sport. He also called for collaboration with the Ghana Health Service to conduct monthly medical checks for boxers.
He said: "Boxers should receive health education to protect themselves from risks both before and after fights. He further stressed that the Boxing Association must ensure that athletes are trained by professionals to improve their techniques, particularly in ways that safeguard their heads and faces during bouts."
Prize Nigerian boxer would have earned before death
YEN.com.gh also reported that more details surrounding the unfortunate death of Gabriel Olanrewaju have emerged since his sad demise.
While an autopsy to confirm his exact cause of death is yet to emerge, details of the prize money he would have earned have surfaced.
Source: YEN.com.gh
