The landscape of professional boxing in Ghana is set for a significant overhaul with the inauguration of a new nine-member Boxing Interim Management Committee (IMC). This crucial step, undertaken by Sports Minister Kofi Adams, aims to restore integrity, professionalism, and safety to a sport that has historically produced global legends like Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, and Joseph Agbeko. Former Ghana Boxing Authority president Samir Captan has been appointed to chair this diverse committee, with three-time world boxing champion Azumah Nelson serving as Vice chairman and Special Technical Advisor.

The formation of the IMC comes amidst a period of acknowledged decline in standards within Ghanaian boxing, characterized by unprofessional conduct and weak regulatory protocols. A series of tragic incidents, most notably the deaths of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju and professional boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey during bouts, served as urgent wake-up calls. Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, staunchly defended the necessary suspension of boxing activities following these events, emphasizing the Authority's unwavering commitment to boxer safety over taking risks. He urged all stakeholders to understand the gravity of the situation and collaborate in implementing drastic measures to make the sport safer.

In response to these critical issues, Minister Kofi Adams announced sweeping reforms designed to prioritize the health and safety of boxers. These reforms include the implementation of comprehensive medical protocols, strengthening doping controls in partnership with the National Anti-Doping Agency, and establishing a robust Medical Commission specifically tasked with overseeing athlete welfare. The Minister stressed that these measures are essential not only to protect athletes but also to uphold the integrity of competitions and safeguard the future of boxing in Ghana.

The newly constituted IMC has been given a broad and demanding mandate. Its responsibilities extend to overseeing all professional boxing activities, meticulously restructuring the Professional Boxing Association (PBA) to ensure enhanced accountability and professionalism, and enforcing the newly established health and safety protocols. Beyond these foundational tasks, the IMC is also charged with delivering transparency and credibility in its operations, including the supervision of elections for a new executive board. Furthermore, it will play a pivotal role in sanctioning bouts, regulating the crucial transition process from amateur to professional boxing, and significantly improving welfare for athletes through enhanced insurance coverage and comprehensive training programmes. Minister Adams expressed strong confidence in the committee’s capacity, highlighting that their efficient and impartial work would be instrumental in stabilizing Ghana boxing, attracting vital investment, fostering sports tourism, and ultimately determining Ghana’s competitiveness on the global boxing stage.

This comprehensive reform initiative underscores a collective commitment to revitalizing Ghanaian boxing. By addressing past shortcomings and establishing stringent new standards, the IMC, under the guidance of the Sports Ministry and NSA, aims to create a secure, professional, and thriving environment for athletes, ensuring that Ghana continues to produce and support world-class boxing talent for generations to come.