Nigerian boxer’s death: GBA spokesperson questions probe committee’s motives

The Communications Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, has concerns. He questions the credibility of a report from a committee investigating Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju's death.

Olanrewaju collapsed during a match at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29. He was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

The committee's report revealed that the GBA sanctioned the fight. This happened despite no valid contract between Olanrewaju and the promoter. The report also highlighted major flaws in the GBA's operations.

Amin Lamptey is questioning the impartiality of the committee members. He stated, "No one invited me to the committee." He was closer to the scene than anyone else as he was the ring announcer.

Lamptey explained that he went on radio and television to explain what happened. He also criticized the choice of witnesses for their investigations.

He mentioned specific individuals invited to testify. Moses Foh Amoaning has issues with the GBA. Carlo Lokko, a trainer and board member, was not present at the event. Roger Barnor also did not witness it, and Yoofi Boham had reported GBA to EOCO but was still invited.

The investigation lasted six weeks. The committee spoke with diplomats, promoters, matchmakers, boxers, and executives from both Nigerian and Ghanaian boxing authorities.

They found that GBA sanctioned Olanrewaju’s bout without a valid contract with his promoter. The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) was aware of this situation as well.

Additionally, there were no mandatory medical assessments for this fight. These assessments are crucial for identifying any underlying health issues before a match.

Such assessments typically include physical exams and tests for heart health and vision. If there were any underlying conditions making Olanrewaju susceptible to cardiac arrest, they could have been detected then.

Chances of survival after cardiac arrest were further reduced by inadequate emergency response measures. There were no doctors ringside during the fight to provide immediate care.

According to the committee, GBA’s emergency response team consists only of one nurse posing as a doctor.

Last month, the Amarkai Amarteifio Committee submitted its findings to Minister Kofi Adams after 21 days of investigation.

The Ministry has accepted this report but has not announced any follow-up actions yet.