Boxing in Ghana is set for a pivotal rebirth this summer, with the interim body governing the sport confirming a June election date to move past a period of tragedy and governance failures.
The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) has tentatively scheduled 2 June 2026 for the Congress and Elections of the “dissolved” Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
Following the vote, an official handover to the new administration is slated for 4 June. This announcement was made during a detailed press briefing at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s recovery following the 2025 suspension of all professional boxing activities.
The GBIMC was established in September 2025 by the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams.
The move was prompted by the tragic deaths of two fighters—Nigerian Gabriel Oluwasegun and Ghana’s Ernest Akushey, known as “Bahubali”—which exposed deep-seated concerns regarding safety, medical oversight, and professional standards.
Speaking at the stadium, IMC Chairman Samir Captan, the former GBA President, emphasised that the committee is working under strict directives from the NSA to ensure full and proper registration.
A primary focus is the legal status of the body under LI 2477-2023, with officials currently deliberating whether to register the entity as an “Association” or an “Authority”.
Captan stated that they are moving to professionalise the sport from the ground up, noting that modalities for an independent Medical Commission (MEDAC) are currently being finalised.
The path to the June elections is divided into a comprehensive reform phase, running from February to April.
This period encompasses a wide array of structural changes, including incorporation, licensing, the rollout of insurance, and the implementation of revised medical and anti-doping protocols.
The roadmap also includes a digital transition with the launch of a dedicated stakeholder portal, alongside constitutional amendments and a series of regional clinics, training sessions, and workshops for trainers and officials.
Despite the recent suspension, the IMC has successfully sanctioned several high-profile bouts to maintain the sport’s momentum.
These landmark events include the Tarkwa Boxing Explosion, Legacy Rise Showdown, Battle of Gbagladza, Cabic Big Fight Night, and the Best of Bukom II. These shows served as a pilot for the committee’s revised safety measures.
The committee overseeing this transition features some of the most respected names in Ghanaian sport.
Leading the executive team alongside Chairman Samir Captan is Vice Chairman and Special Technical Advisor Azumah Nelson, the legendary Hall of Famer.
They are supported by a diverse board, including veteran administrator Brig. Gen. (Rtd) I. B. Quartey, legal expert Felix Quartey Esq, and Dr Hadi Mohammed Abdulah, a neurosurgeon from Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Technical expertise is provided by boxing trainer Dr Ofori Asare and financial consultant Lester Nii Amarh Kwantreng.
The coordinating team is managed by Secretary Patrick Johnson, Liaison Gideon H. K. Oyiadzo, and National Anti-Doping Officer Prince Azanu.
As the reform phase gathers pace, the eyes of the African boxing world will be on Accra this June to see if these structural changes can return Ghana to its status as a global powerhouse of the ring.
