BOXING SUSPENDED IN GHANA OVER DEATH OF ERNEST ‘BAHUBALI’ AKUSHEY

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has suspended all boxing activities in Ghana following the tragic death of Ernest Akushey, popularly known in the boxing fraternity as “Bahubali.”

Akushey passed away on Tuesday, September 23, after sustaining life-threatening injuries during a bout with Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12. He was rushed to the LEKMA Hospital in Accra, where he battled internal bleeding before succumbing to his injuries.

Confirming the development, the Director General of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, announced that the suspension will remain in force until thorough investigations into the incident are completed.

“All boxing activities are hence suspended pending investigation into the death of Ernest Akushey,” Mr. Ampofo Ankrah stated on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Wednesday, September 24.

Preliminary findings, he disclosed, suggest possible lapses in regulatory compliance. Early reports indicate that the deceased may have fought more bouts in the last two years than the official rules permit.

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

The NSA’s directive has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, particularly in Bukom, Ghana’s boxing hub, where Akushey was widely admired for his grit and determination in the ring.

Stakeholders, including the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), are expected to collaborate with investigators to ascertain the circumstances that led to Akushey’s untimely death and to tighten measures that ensure the safety of boxers going forward.