ACCRA, Sept 26 (The African Portal) – Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA) has suspended all boxing activities nationwide following the death of Ernest Oko Akushey, a professional fighter known as Bahubali, officials said on Friday.
Akushey died 11 days after suffering a heavy defeat to Jacob Dickson in a super middleweight bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Sept. 12. The cause of death has not been confirmed, though his injuries in the ring have raised concern.
The NSA said the suspension, taken in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, was intended “to prioritise the safety, health and welfare of athletes.”
The authority added that preparations were already under way to implement recommendations from a ministerial committee on boxing, including a five-year safety and development plan and the creation of a nine-member interim management committee to oversee the sport.
“While the suspension may present immediate challenges, it remains a necessary step to protect lives, preserve the integrity of the sport, and secure its future,” the NSA said in a statement.
In mid-September, fans at the Bukom Boxing Arena witnessed Ernest Akushey — a man in his early 30s — absorb heavy punishment from Jacob Dickson.
It was a one-sided super middleweight contest, with Dickson securing victory via technical knockout in the eighth round.
Bahubali suffered his first professional defeat after winning his opening six bouts. But just two weeks later, tragedy struck. Bahubali passed away after battling an illness.
