The Ministry of Sports and Recreation in Ghana has launched an official
inquiry into the unexpected death of Nigerian professional boxer Gabriel
Oluwasegun Olanrewaju. The decision was announced on April 8, with the Sports
Minister Kofi Adams inaugurating a seven-member committee tasked with
conducting a thorough investigation into the incident that shocked both boxing
enthusiasts and the wider sports community.
Gabriel Olanrewaju, aged 40, collapsed in the ring during a light heavyweight
bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29. The Nigerian fighter was
up against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu. The tragic moment occurred in the third
round of the fight, with Olanrewaju falling to the canvas without having
received any notable punch or blow. Medical personnel on-site immediately
responded and attempted to resuscitate him before transporting him to Korle-Bu
Teaching Hospital. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead approximately
30 minutes after arrival.
Known for his strong presence in the ring, Olanrewaju had a professional
record consisting of 24 fights, securing 13 victories, suffering 8 defeats, and
recording 3 draws. His collapse came as a shock, especially since he appeared
to be controlling the pace of the match prior to the incident. The exact cause
of death is yet to be determined and forms a key part of the committee’s
investigation.
To ensure a comprehensive and unbiased review, the Sports Minister appointed
a team of respected individuals with expertise in sports administration,
boxing, law, and medicine. The committee is chaired by Major (Rtd) Amarkai
Amartefio. Other members include Peter Zwennes, Ekow Asmah, Samuel Bartels,
Eddie Pappoe, Dr. Martin Engmann, and Mrs. Juliana Addo-Yobo, who serves as the
secretary.
The primary objective of this committee is to understand what transpired
before, during, and after the boxing event that led to the unfortunate loss of
a life. Among the tasks outlined are the assessment of medical and technical
procedures that were followed during the event, as well as a review of the
roles played by the event organizers and officiating personnel. The committee
is also expected to determine if international safety standards were observed
and whether the Nigerian licensing authorities were diligent in approving
Olanrewaju’s participation in an international match of such magnitude.
Another critical aspect of the investigation is whether all necessary
protocols and safety guidelines were in place and effectively implemented by
the promoters and organizers. This includes verifying the availability of
adequate emergency medical services and ensuring that fighter assessments prior
to the match were conducted properly.
Furthermore, the committee will look into the behavior and performance of
the officials present during the event, examining both individual and
collective actions to identify any possible lapses. Where necessary,
recommendations for sanctions will be made against individuals or groups whose
conduct did not meet the required standards.
The committee is also mandated to suggest changes that may be necessary to
improve safety protocols and preserve the integrity of the sport. This could
range from medical screenings, ringside emergency preparedness, to post-fight
procedures. The goal is to ensure the complete safety of all athletes
participating in combat sports and to uphold the values of discipline and
sportsmanship that boxing represents.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams expressed his condolences to the family of the
late boxer and reassured both the Nigerian and Ghanaian public of the
government's commitment to finding out the truth. He stressed that sports,
especially contact sports like boxing, must continue to prioritize the health
and safety of athletes above all else.
The tragic death of Olanrewaju has drawn attention across West Africa, with
fans and professionals alike calling for stricter measures and greater scrutiny
in how boxing events are organized and monitored. It has raised serious
questions about medical oversight, emergency preparedness, and cross-border
regulations involving international athletes.
The outcome of the committee’s work is expected to help improve the
management and safety of boxing events in Ghana and beyond. Authorities hope
that the findings will contribute to building a safer environment for future
athletes while maintaining the competitive spirit of the sport.
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