Professional boxing was suspended in Ghana in September following the death of rising boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey, which exposed dangerous gaps in medical safety, governance, and athlete protection. A few months later, it was announced that the sport could resume.

Speaking at the just-ended SWAG Golden Jubilee Awards, Sports Minister Kofi Adams mentioned that Ghana’s boxing landscape is now safe following deliberate reforms in medical safety, officiating, and insurance, restoring confidence in a sport shaken by tragedy.

The Minister said: “Ghanaian boxing is safer, medically compliant, and back in business.”

He explained that following the unfortunate deaths of two young boxers earlier this year, the government immediately reset regulatory standards. “We introduced stricter medical protocols, compulsory insurance, and tightened oversight of officiating.”

He revealed that, following the reforms, the sport has seen an increase in licensed promotions. “We have seen increased promotions, improved athlete safety, and stronger confidence from boxers and managers,” highlighting the need to safeguard the lives of boxers and not make the sport a gamble with human lives.

He stressed the need for discipline and accountability. “Boxing must not gamble with human lives. We will not compromise safety under any circumstances,” he cautioned.

The Minister praised promoters, coaches, and gyms for embracing the reforms. “These measures were necessary, and I am proud that the boxing community stood up to the challenge and accepted that safety must come first.”

The National Sports Authority (NSA) lifted the ban on professional boxing in Ghana on Thursday, November 6.

The Authority had placed a ban on boxing and all other boxing-related activities on September 24, following the death of rising boxer Ernest Akushey aka “Bahubali” on Tuesday, September 23.

Consequently, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, announced during an appearance on Ultimate FM that no professional bout would be held until investigations into Bahubali’s death were finalised.

After a month and a week into the ban, the NSA issued a statement that “The National Sports Authority (NSA) is pleased to announce that the suspension on professional boxing in Ghana is set to be lifted officially on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, following successful consultations with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) overseeing the sport’s normalization process.”

This follows a successful approval of enhanced medical, safety, insurance, and administrative protocols to ensure the sport's normalization and restore its heritage and reputation.

“The IMC has reported significant progress in addressing the key issues that led to the suspension, particularly the strengthening of medical and safety protocols, as well as improvements in governance and administrative structures. This marks a major step toward restoring Ghana's illustrious and proud boxing heritage,” parts of the statement read.

The NSA commended the IMC, athletes, and industry stakeholders for their cooperation and patience throughout the sport’s normalization period.

“The NSA commends the IMC, athletes, boxing stakeholders, and the entire sporting community for their patience, diligence, and cooperation during this period of reform. The Authority looks forward to a vibrant return of professional boxing and also encourages local as well as foreign promoters and investors to bring international bouts and collaborations to Ghana under these enhanced standards,” the statement added.

However, the sports governing agency listed six key reforms (core pillars) that form the foundation of the new professional boxing framework in Ghana.

“In the coming days and weeks, there will be education and regular engagements to roll out new exciting partnerships aimed at uplifting the general well-being of Ghanaian boxers and the sport’s brand. The core pillars include published medical and safety manuals, codes, and regulations, a functional interim medical commission, a centralised medical database, an approved insurance framework, a sustainable medical support system, and certified ringside and medical staff,” NSA said.

Meanwhile, the NSA boss also questioned why Akushey had been allowed to engage in multiple bouts in the last 12 to 24 months.

"Ernest Akushey is said to have fought in multiple bouts over the past 12-24 months, which shouldn't have happened," he added.

Some reports suggest that doctors confirmed Akushey died from internal bleeding and malaria.

According to reports from James Town TV and Africabox Showup, Ernest Akushey passed away on Tuesday, September 23, after he was rushed to the LEKMA hospital following complaints of undisclosed symptoms on Monday.

The symptoms worsened, and around 2 a.m. the following day he was confirmed dead.

Bahubali's death came barely a week after he suffered a thrashing defeat in a bout with rising opponent Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, which took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Fans braved early morning rain to attend the event at Bukom Boxing Arena, which was part of the “Monaco – The Night To Prove” boxing showcase.

According to reports, the bout appeared to favor Akushey’s opponent, who dominated from the beginning until he clinched victory when the final bell rang with an eighth-round technical knockout (TKO).

Widely circulated videos of the fight showed Akushey struggling under relentless pressure, sparking sympathy among fans even before the tragic news of his death.

Many have speculated that the heavy punches he received during his last fight might have caused internal injuries, which may have contributed to his death. However, the family has presented no official autopsy report to support this claim.

A video trending on social media after Akushey’s death captures former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey talking to Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey after the bout with Dickson. He advised that it was about time Akushey made a decision, as he wasn’t fit enough to continue in the sport, warning him of imminent health problems.

“Bahubali, it's about time that you made a decision. I have told you to stop boxing. The reason I told you that is because I know you feed from boxing. I don't know when you started fighting, but up to where you have gotten to now. But you need to make a decision and know what you're doing because those small punches in the games, and you're falling. You're going to many wars, and you might not realize the effects today, but in the future, when you grow,” he warned.