Ban On Ghana’s Professional Boxing Lifted

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has officially announced that the suspension on professional boxing in Ghana will be lifted on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

This marks a major step toward reviving one of the country’s most celebrated sports.

The announcement follows several months of consultations between the NSA, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and the Interim Management Committee (IMC), which was set up to oversee the normalization of boxing activities in Ghana.

According to the Authority, the IMC has made “significant progress” in addressing the challenges that led to the sport’s suspension. These include improvements in medical and safety measures as well as better governance and administration within the sport.

“This marks a major step toward restoring Ghana’s illustrious and proud boxing heritage,” the NSA said in a statement, praising the IMC, athletes, and other stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during the reform process.

The reforms introduced are aimed at ensuring the safety, professionalism, and international competitiveness of Ghanaian boxing. The new measures place strong emphasis on medical integrity, proper organization, and accountability. To achieve this, the Authority has developed several initiatives, including medical and safety manuals, a functional interim medical commission, a centralized medical database, and an approved insurance framework.

In addition, there will be a sustainable medical support system and certified ringside and medical staff to ensure that the health and safety of boxers remain a top priority.

The NSA expressed confidence that these reforms will not only protect athletes but also attract renewed investment and international partnerships in the sport.

“We look forward to a vibrant return of professional boxing and encourage local and foreign promoters to bring international bouts and collaborations to Ghana under these enhanced standards,” the Authority stated.

In the coming weeks, the NSA and the IMC will begin an education and stakeholder engagement campaign to introduce the new systems and promote partnerships aimed at improving the welfare of Ghanaian boxers.

The suspension was imposed after the unfortunate death of professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey on September 25, 2025, which sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian sporting community. In response, the NSA and IMC embarked on a comprehensive review of the sport’s medical, safety, and governance frameworks to ensure that such tragedies never recur.

Ghana, which has produced boxing legends such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, and Joshua Clottey, is now set to reclaim its place on the global boxing stage. With stronger regulations and safer conditions, the sport is expected to enter a new era of growth and pride for the nation.