ACCRA, Ghana — All professional boxing activities across Ghana have been suspended following the death of super-middleweight boxer Ernest Akushey, who passed away on Tuesday, 11 days after sustaining injuries in a fight in Accra.
Akushey, aged 32 and popularly known as Bahubali, faced Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena in the Ghanaian capital on September 12. While officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of death, preliminary information suggests it may be linked to internal injuries sustained during the bout.
This tragedy marks the second death of a professional fighter in Ghana within a six-month period, reigniting urgent discussions surrounding safety protocols and medical standards in the sport.
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The previous fatality occurred in March when Nigeria’s Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed and died shortly after fighting Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu, also in Accra.
In response, the National Sports Authority announced the nationwide suspension in a public statement. The authority described the immediate action as a “necessary step” to “protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure its future.”
Furthermore, authorities have unveiled plans to implement a five-year strategy dedicated to establishing safer, more professional, and globally-aligned standards for boxing. This move aims to overhaul safety procedures and ensure the well-being of athletes.
The sport holds significant cultural importance in Ghana and has historically produced numerous world champions, including the legendary two-weight world champion, Azumah Nelson.
