Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has inaugurated an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the revival of professional boxing in the country, following what he described as a worrying decline in standards and safety.
Speaking at the Ministry’s Conference Room on yesterday, Kofi Adams noted that the formation of the committee marks “a pivotal turning point” in restoring integrity, professionalism and athlete welfare in the sport. He also added that the future of Ghana Boxing depends on our collective effort.
Ghana, once revered globally for producing world champions such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey and Jospeh Agbeko has seen its boxing fortunes dwindle in recent years. Poor performances in international bouts, allegations of unprofessional conduct and lack of proper medical protocols have dented the country’s boxing reputation.
The Minister referenced the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, during a fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena as a wake-up call for urgent reforms.
The newly inaugurated IMCwill assume sweeping responsibilities, including sanctioning bouts, restructuring the Professional Boxing Association of Ghana, implementing stricter medical and doping controls and ensuring improved insurance and safety for athletes.
“You will also facilitate the transition from amateur to professional boxing, restructure the Professional Boxing Association and ensure the welfare and safety of all participants through improved insurance, training, and medical standards”, he lamented.
Mr. Adams also tasked the committee with introducing transparent election processes within the industry, fostering sports tourism and attracting investment to make Ghana competitive again on the world stage.
“This effort to reform Ghana Boxing transcends personalities it is about safeguarding the future of our sport and restoring its rightful place on the international stage” he stated. The Minister also assured that his office is committed to re-establishing professionalism of the sport, ensuring the safety of athletes, and also earning back the respect of the global boxing community.
Kofi Adams urged the committee to embrace the responsibility given to them in good faith and do their best possible in maintaining the image of the sport.
The following are the committee members inaugurated by the Minister for Sports and Recreationto help restore the image of Ghana Boxing;
- SamirCaptan (Chairman)
- Azumah Nelson (Special Technical Advisor, Boxing Icon)
OTHER MEMBERS:
- Gen. (RTD) I.B. Quartey (Veteran Boxing Administrator)
- Nii Akwei Bruce Thompson Esq. (Editor of the Supreme Court of Ghana Law Reports)
- Eric Tetteh Ayertey (Internationally Accredited Ringside Doctor, APBC)
- Ofori Asare (Veteran Boxing Trainer & Multi Title Winning Coach)
- Lester Nii Armah Kwarteng (Financial Consultant, Boxing Promoter and Investor)
- Nathaniel Attoh (Media & Communication Expert)
COORDINATING TEAM:
- Patrick Johnson – the current GBA Secretary General will act as Secretary to Committee.
- Gidoen H.K. Oyiadzo – Projects & Branding Consultant and Organizing Secretary for Boxing Promoters Association of Ghana will act as the Committee’s Spokesperson and Coordinator.
- Prince Azanu – National Anti-Doping Officer for the National Sports Authority (NSA) will act as Stakeholder Liaison for Athlete Welfare and Technical Advisor on Anti- Doping Reform.
By Jesse Otoo
