The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has suspended all professional boxing activities in the country following the deaths of two boxers within a six-month period. The decision, announced on Friday, comes amid growing concerns over the safety of athletes in the sport and the adequacy of medical and regulatory safeguards. Officials said the suspension will remain in place until a comprehensive review of safety protocols and medical standards is completed.
The tragic incidents involved young boxers who collapsed in the ring during sanctioned fights and later died despite medical intervention. The back-to-back fatalities have sparked outrage within the sporting community, prompting calls for urgent reforms to prevent further loss of life. Boxing stakeholders, including coaches, promoters and medical experts, have demanded stricter enforcement of medical screenings, improved ringside facilities, and better post-fight care for athletes.
According to the GBA, the suspension is a necessary step to safeguard the health and wellbeing of fighters. The body said it would work closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, medical associations and international boxing regulators to introduce new safety measures. These include mandatory advanced medical examinations, enhanced training for referees and ringside doctors, and the provision of modern life-saving equipment at all boxing venues.
GBA President Abraham Neequaye expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased boxers, describing the incidents as “a painful moment in Ghanaian sports.” He stressed that while boxing remains a source of national pride, the lives of athletes must take priority over entertainment or commercial interests. Neequaye also hinted that the Authority may consider reducing the number of fights per year to allow boxers more recovery time and limit the risks of fatal injuries.
The deaths have reignited a wider debate on combat sports in Ghana, with critics questioning whether the country’s regulatory framework has kept pace with international best practices. Some sports medicine experts have argued that inadequate funding for medical support at events leaves athletes vulnerable. Others have suggested that many local gyms lack proper conditioning and monitoring structures, which could make fighters more prone to severe injuries during competition.
Boxing has long been one of Ghana’s most successful sports, producing global champions such as Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey. The suspension, however, is likely to disrupt the careers of young fighters and affect promoters who had lined up bouts for the coming months. While some stakeholders support the move as necessary, others worry it could stall the momentum of Ghanaian boxing on the international stage if the review drags on for too long.
Despite the setback, the GBA has assured stakeholders that boxing will return once adequate safety reforms are in place. The authority emphasized that the goal is not to cripple the sport but to ensure that future competitions meet the highest standards of medical care and athlete protection. For now, Ghanaian boxing remains on hold as the nation grapples with the twin tragedies and seeks a way forward that balances passion with protection.
