The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, today, 26th September 2025 met with some members of the newly constituted Boxing Normalisation Committee at the Ministry’s conference room. The meeting, which was led by the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, served as a precursor to the formal inauguration of the committee scheduled for Monday, 29th September 2025.
The formation of the Boxing Normalisation Committee follows the tragic passing of Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, during a bout held 0n 29th March 2025 at the Bukom Boxin Arena, Accra.
In response, the Minister commissioned an independent investigative committee, chaired by Rtd. Amarkai Amarteifio, to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death and broader issues affecting professional boxing in Ghana. The committee submitted a 100-page report with key findings and wide-ranging recommendations to restore safety, discipline, and integrity to the sport.
Addressing members of the new committee, the Minister commended them for accepting the task, acknowledging the urgency of reforms. “This normalisation process is not about personalities; it is about the future of our sport. We are determined to restore boxing to a state of professionalism, safety and international respect,” he stated.
He emphasised the need to institute immediate medical protocols, update health records of boxers, establish the Medical Commission, and reinforce doping control systems in collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). He further charged the committee to work quickly, transparently and without bias to stabilise the sport, expressing hope that structured boxing activity can resume by the end of the year.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has prepared a formal government white paper outlining its official position on the investigative report, which the committee is expected to implement under ministerial supervision.
The Boxing Normalisation Committee will be officially inaugurated at 1:00 PM on Monday, 29th September 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Room.
