“I blame the backroom staff for death of Nigerian boxer, not GBA” – Ernest Henry Norgbey

Hon. Ernest Henry Norgbey is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports and Recreation. He is also the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman. He stated that he does not blame the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) for Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju's death. Instead, he blames the backroom staff of Olanrewaju.

Olanrewaju collapsed during a bout with Jon Mbanagu on March 28. He was taken to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

In an interview with Citi Sports, Hon. Norgbey highlighted the importance of medical personnel in boxing. He said every athlete should have a personal doctor for regular check-ups. Boxing is physically demanding, and health checks are crucial.

Norgbey noted that Olanrewaju fell while moving backward without being hit. Therefore, he believes it is unfair to hold the GBA responsible for his death.

He emphasized that if Olanrewaju’s support team had done proper checks, this tragedy could have been avoided. Athletes fighting in Ghana should ensure they have their own doctors present.

Before entering the ring, boxers must be cleared by their doctors. Norgbey reiterated that he does not see how the GBA can be blamed for what happened.

In response to this incident, the Minister for Youth and Sports has formed a committee to investigate Olanrewaju's death. This tragic event has cast a shadow over boxing in Ghana.