MWE Correspondent
Ghana has come to a standstill in the world of boxing after the sudden passing of Ernest Akushey, better known in the ring as Bahubali.
The 32-year-old fighter died on September 23, just eleven days after stepping into the ring at the famous Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
Akushey’s last fight was against fellow Ghanaian, Jacob Dickson, on September 12. The match ended in the eighth round, but in the days that followed, Bahubali complained of feeling unwell. Doctors later discovered he had suffered internal bleeding, and despite receiving medical attention at a hospital in Accra, his condition worsened until he passed away.
The news has left the sporting community in shock, not only because of the loss of a promising athlete but also because it has raised fresh questions about the safety of boxing in Ghana. This tragedy comes only months after another professional boxer died under similar circumstances, fueling calls for stronger safety measures in the sport.
Also Read; Who Decides How Societies Live?
In response, Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA) has announced an immediate suspension of all boxing activities nationwide. The Authority described the decision as “necessary to protect the lives of athletes, safeguard the dignity of the sport, and ensure its future.” The ban will remain in place while investigations continue and until new safety rules are adopted.
Part of the plan includes a five-year reform program designed to bring local standards closer to international benchmarks. The NSA has already confirmed that a nine-member interim committee will oversee the restructuring process. The reforms will focus on medical readiness at events, strict regulatory oversight, and professional training to guarantee fighters’ welfare.
The head of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, explained that the suspension is not permanent but conditional. Boxing will only return when experts confirm that the environment is safe for fighters. This pause, he said, is not meant to kill the sport but to make it stronger, safer, and more respected.
