The Ghanaian sports authorities have suspended all boxing activities across the country following the death of professional super-middleweight fighter Ernest Akushey, popularly known as Bahubali. He was 32.
Akushey died on Tuesday, 11 days after his September 12 bout against Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. While the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, officials say initial reports point to possible internal injuries sustained during the fight.
The tragedy is the second boxing-related death in Ghana in six months. In March, Nigerian fighter Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed during a match against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu, also in Accra, and died shortly after being rushed to hospital.
In response, the National Sports Authority (NSA) announced a sweeping suspension of all boxing matches in the country.
“This is a necessary step to protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure its future,” the NSA said in a statement.
Authorities also revealed that they are working on a five-year strategic plan to overhaul the sport, with a focus on implementing stricter medical protocols, professional safeguards, and globally aligned safety standards.
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