It added that Ghana was now poised for a “vibrant and globally credible return” to professional boxing under strengthened operational standards.

The NSA also called on both local and foreign promoters and investors to take advantage of the renewed regulatory environment to stage international bouts and collaborations in Ghana.

New era, safer ring

A new framework anchored on medical integrity, athlete safety and accountability has been rolled out to guide the sport’s return.

The core pillars include published medical and safety manuals, codes, and regulations; functional interim medical commission; centralised medical database, approved insurance framework; sustainable medical support system, certified ringside and medical staff.

These reforms form the backbone of a roadmap designed to guarantee a safe, transparent, and globally respected boxing ecosystem in Ghana.

The NSA said the blueprint placed athlete welfare, institutional credibility, and public confidence at the heart of the sport’s revival.

The NSA added that the Ghana Boxing Medical and Anti-Doping Team would supervise full implementation, monitoring and compliance to ensure that all future bouts met international standards.

“The NSA remains committed to working with all partners to ensure a safe, professional, profitable, and sustainable future for Ghana boxing,” it said in a statement.  

Tragedy to transformation

The sport’s suspension followed the tragic death of Ernest Akushey, who passed away nearly two weeks after being knocked out by Jacob Dickson.

The incident prompted the NSA, with approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to halt professional boxing events pending a comprehensive review of medical and administrative procedures.

In response, the government swiftly established the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) to drive urgent reforms, strengthen anti-doping and medical systems, and oversee the transition towards democratic elections for new leadership of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The shake-up was also informed by findings from a ministerial inquiry into the death of Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a bout in Accra in March and later died — a tragedy that amplified calls for radical change in Ghanaian boxing.

At the forefront of the reform is an interim committee led by former GBA chairman and respected promoter, Samir Captan, with Ghana's most celebrated boxer, Azumah Nelson, as the vice-chairman and the Special Technical Advisor.

Road to recovery

The Graphic Sports gathered that a sub-committee is finalising amendments to the GBA constitution and the framework for elections. For now, the focus is on cementing medical protocols and resuming sanctioned bouts before the polls.

Meanwhile, promoters are already gearing up for a flurry of fight nights. British promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing is set to make its African debut in Accra on December 20, while American businessman Dave Bishop’s Bishop Promotions is preparing to stage “Best of Bukom 2” on January 1, 2026.

Local promoter Ayitey Powers, whose “Judgement Day” bill was cancelled just 24 hours before fight night following the September 26 suspension, is also awaiting clearance for a new date.

NSA Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, says the developments are proof that Ghanaian boxing is once again open for business.

“It’s good news to get international players, in boxing terms, bringing events here. We had Amir Khan coming through on the Legacy Rise card with Anthony Joshua; it was a huge success, and more will follow,” he said.

“The suspension has sanitised Ghanaian boxing, giving confidence to international investors that the right structures are now in place.”