The dream of Anthony Joshua, a global heavyweight boxing superstar, making his highly anticipated African debut in Ghana in early 2026 now faces a stark and sobering reality check. While Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn had recently highlighted Ghana as a promising destination for `AJ`s` comeback, a devastating local tragedy has dramatically altered the landscape, raising profound questions about the sport`s safety and governance within the West African nation.
A Champion`s Return vs. A Life Lost
Anthony Joshua, fresh from his September 2024 Wembley defeat to Daniel Dubois, was eyeing an early 2026 return to the ring. For many, a fight on Ghanaian soil represented more than just a comeback bout; it was an opportunity to connect with his roots, electrify a continent, and perhaps even inspire a new generation of African boxers. The prospect was tangible, a buzz building around a potential site deal that Eddie Hearn reportedly had been discussing.
However, the vibrant anticipation has been abruptly overshadowed by the tragic death of 32-year-old light-heavyweight boxer Ernest Akushey, affectionately known as ‘Bahubali’. Akushey succumbed to fatal injuries sustained during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on September 12. His passing isn`t just a loss for his family and the Ghanaian boxing community; it has triggered a necessary, albeit painful, re-evaluation of fundamental safety protocols.
The Immediate Aftermath: Boxing on Hold
In response to Akushey`s untimely death, Ghana`s National Sports Authority (NSA) has taken the decisive step to temporarily suspend all boxing activities in the country. This isn`t a punitive measure but a critical pause, allowing for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Director General of the NSA, has been unequivocal about the need for systemic change.
“Every day, the research takes a new shape and form, depending on the plan. And also, unexpectedly, things can happen – just as we’ve witnessed with this fight [on September 12]. We need to adjust, and quickly address it, and that is exactly what we are doing. We’ve not banned anything, but boxing cannot continue as it has been.”
Ankrah`s words highlight the stark reality: the existing health and safety frameworks proved insufficient. The investigation aims to identify these shortcomings and implement robust improvements to prevent future tragedies. This crucial period of introspection inevitably casts a shadow over any immediate plans for major international events, including Joshua`s proposed fight.
Governance Under Scrutiny: The GBA`s Troubling Role
The NSA`s scrutiny extends directly to the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), the body ostensibly responsible for regulating the sport. Ankrah has publicly voiced concerns over unproductive communication and a persistent lack of urgency from the GBA in addressing critical issues. This bureaucratic lethargy, he suggests, is unacceptable, particularly when lives are at stake. The NSA chief has even called for an election to appoint a new GBA president before the end of the year, signaling a severe crisis of confidence in the current leadership.
Perhaps the most troubling revelation concerns Akushey himself. Reports indicate that the GBA`s former president, Abraham Kotei Neequaye, had previously deemed Akushey “unfit” to continue his boxing career. Yet, despite this serious medical assessment, the current president, Roger Barnor – who succeeded Neequaya in June – inexplicably cleared ‘Bahubali’ to box just weeks ago. This discrepancy raises urgent and uncomfortable questions:
- What protocols were ignored or overridden?
- What were the motivations behind allowing a fighter previously deemed unfit to compete?
- Who is accountable for such a catastrophic lapse in judgment?
The contrast between a professional assessment of unfitness and a subsequent clearance to fight is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a critical failure that directly contributed to a human tragedy. Such decisions erode trust and expose a frightening vulnerability within the sport`s protective layers.
The Broader Implications for African Boxing
While Anthony Joshua`s potential Ghana fight is the immediate casualty of this crisis, the repercussions extend far beyond a single high-profile event. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the immense responsibility that boxing federations and authorities bear. Adequate medical supervision, thorough pre-fight screenings, and stringent safety protocols are not luxuries; they are non-negotiable necessities for a sport as physically demanding and dangerous as boxing.
For African boxing, which often grapples with limited resources and infrastructure compared to its Western counterparts, such incidents can be particularly damaging. They deter investment, discourage participation, and cast a long shadow over the continent`s vibrant boxing talent. The path forward for Ghana – and indeed for other developing boxing nations – must involve a fundamental overhaul of governance, transparency, and, above all, an unwavering commitment to fighter safety.
Anthony Joshua`s anticipated debut in Ghana now seems a distant prospect, eclipsed by a tragedy that demands profound introspection and urgent reform. The vision of a global boxing star gracing a Ghanaian ring must, for now, yield to the imperative of ensuring that no other boxer meets Akushey`s fate. The future of boxing in Ghana hinges on its ability to learn from this painful lesson, to rebuild trust, and to establish an environment where ambition is always tempered by an unshakeable commitment to human safety. Only then can the dream of global boxing events truly flourish on African soil.
