Key findings from Amarkai Amartefio Committee's probe into Nigerian boxer's death

The Amarkai Amartefio committee found serious issues in the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA). This was during their investigation into the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju.

The investigation lasted six weeks. The committee interviewed diplomats, promoters, matchmakers, boxers, and officials from both the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) and GBA.

While they aimed to understand Olanrewaju's death, they discovered more problems than expected.

Structural Flaws

The committee revealed that GBA approved the fight without a valid contract.

In April, GBA Communications Director Mohammed Amin Lamptey claimed they followed legal procedures. He stated that boxers must provide a release letter and medical history before fights.

Lamptey insisted that Olanrewaju was a credible opponent with an impressive record. However, the committee found that both GBA and NBBofC ignored necessary documentation.

Committee member Ekow Asmah noted that NBBofC was more interested in money than safety. They received a percentage of the fight purse.

According to the report, the release letter was signed just two days before the fight date. The fight contract was drafted only six days prior.

Asmah criticized how Olanrewaju traveled by road without proper training or preparation. He emphasized this showed a lack of concern for the boxer's safety.

Bribery Allegations

Olanrewaju’s trainer Alamu testified that he was asked to throw the fight. His claims matched those of Remi Aboderin from NBBofC about attempts to fix the bout.

However, neither provided evidence for their allegations. The promoter cited "some objections" as reasons for canceling the bout but did not elaborate.

Later, Alamu contacted them expressing willingness to fight again on March 29. A weigh-in was quickly arranged for that night.

Questionable Medical Infrastructure

Both GBA and promoters admitted there were no mandatory medical assessments for this fight. These assessments are crucial to identify any underlying health issues before boxing matches.

Without these checks, potential risks like concussions or cardiac arrest could go unnoticed. Emergency response at ringside was also inadequate; only one nurse acted as a doctor during fights.

Sources indicated that GBA has not employed a medical doctor since 2023. Other promoters testified they paid for doctors but received no services in return.

Despite this, Lamptey claimed on Joy FM’s Game Plan that qualified medical professionals were present at ringside.

Main Recommendation

The committee's findings led them to recommend an organizational audit of GBA. They noted GBA is operating without a license, which is a serious offense.

Ekow Asmah stated radical reforms are necessary following an audit of GBA operations and finances.

The Sports Ministry plans to announce its next steps this week based on these recommendations.