The tragic death of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, also known as “Success,” during a boxing match in Ghana has unveiled a series of critical failures within the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and raised serious concerns regarding the safety and regulation of boxing in the country. A government-appointed committee, tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death, revealed that not only did the boxer have pre-existing heart conditions, but also that the GBA operated with a shocking disregard for essential medical protocols, ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome. The committee’s findings paint a picture of negligence, incompetence, and a blatant disregard for the well-being of athletes.
Olanrewaju collapsed during a bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukoum on March 29th and was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Hospital. While a post-mortem examination revealed that Olanrewaju had an enlarged heart, a condition common among athletes, the committee’s investigation exposed far more disturbing details about the events leading up to and following his collapse. The GBA, it was discovered, had no licensed doctor present at the fight, a fundamental requirement for any professional boxing event. This critical lapse in basic medical oversight meant that when Olanrewaju collapsed, there was no qualified medical personnel on-site to provide immediate and potentially life-saving intervention.
Furthermore, the committee unearthed a disturbing instance of fraudulent impersonation. An individual, pretending to be a medical professional, entered the ring after Olanrewaju’s collapse. This imposter, dressed in a lab coat, further compounded the already dire situation by providing what could only be considered unqualified and potentially harmful “medical” attention. The fact that someone could so easily impersonate a doctor at a professional boxing event highlights the GBA’s utter failure to implement even the most basic verification procedures for medical personnel. This raises serious questions about the organization’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the boxers under its purview.
The investigation also unearthed broader systemic issues plaguing the GBA, indicative of an organization operating well outside the bounds of acceptable practice. The committee revealed that the GBA itself was operating without a valid license, a staggering revelation that casts serious doubt on the legitimacy of the organization and its ability to regulate professional boxing in Ghana. This lack of proper licensing, combined with the absence of a designated ringside physician, points to a systemic disregard for safety regulations and a culture of negligence within the GBA. The committee’s findings suggest that the organization’s leadership has prioritized personal gain over the safety and well-being of the athletes, creating an environment ripe for tragic incidents like Olanrewaju’s death.
The committee, chaired by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing 30 individuals connected to the case and compiling a comprehensive 100-page report. Their findings highlighted the urgent need for sweeping reforms within the GBA to ensure the safety and well-being of boxers. Ekow Asmah, a veteran journalist and boxing expert who served on the committee, delivered a scathing indictment of the GBA’s current leadership, accusing them of running the organization “like a pimp running a brothel.” This stark assessment reflects the deep-seated problems within the GBA and the urgent need for change to prevent future tragedies.
In the wake of the tragedy and the damning revelations that followed, the committee recommended that Ghana assume full responsibility for repatriating Olanrewaju’s remains to Nigeria and cover all funeral and burial expenses. This gesture, while important, cannot undo the damage caused by the GBA’s negligence. The committee also suggested the Ghanaian government provide additional financial support to the boxer’s family, a recognition of the profound loss suffered and the role the GBA’s failures played in that loss. The incident has strained diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria, underscoring the importance of swift action and accountability to repair the damage. The involvement of WBC board member Ataa Pappoe in the investigation further emphasizes the international attention this case has drawn and the need for Ghana to address its boxing regulatory shortcomings to meet global standards. Ultimately, the death of Segun Olanrewaju serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper regulation and oversight in professional boxing and the devastating consequences that can occur when those responsibilities are neglected.
