Boxing banned in Ghana after deaths of two boxers in seven months

• Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has placed a temporary ban on all boxing activities in Ghana following the death of professional boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali.

Akushey died on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, days after suffering serious injuries in his fight against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12.

The 32-year-old collapsed after the bout and was rushed to the LEKMA Hospital in Accra, where he later passed away.

Addressing the media on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah confirmed the suspension.

He explained that the decision was necessary to allow for thorough investigations into the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. He firmly stated:

“All boxing activities are hence suspended pending investigation into the death of Ernest Akushey.”

Ankrah also raised concerns about the number of fights Bahubali may have taken on in recent years. He added:

“The deceased boxer Ernest Akushey is said to have fought in multiple bouts over the past 12–24 months, which shouldn’t have happened.”

Akushey, a crowd favourite for his aggressive style and fighting spirit, competed in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He ended his career with eight professional fights, winning six of them.

His popularity in the Bukom boxing community earned him the nickname “Bahubali,” inspired by the fearless warrior from the Indian blockbuster movie.