The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (IMC) has scheduled June 2, 2026 for the Congress and Elections of the dissolved Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), as part of ongoing reforms to restore stability and professionalism to the sport.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Accra Sports Stadium, where journalists were presented with a detailed roadmap towards the polls. An official handover to a newly elected administration is expected on June 4, 2026.
Chairman of the IMC, Mr Samir Captan, explained that the process is in compliance with a directive from the National Sports Authority (NSA), particularly regarding registration under LI 2477-2023. The directive requires clarity on whether the governing body will operate as an “Association” or an “Authority”.
Mr Captan noted that modalities for establishing an independent Medical Commission (MEDAC) are being finalised. He highlighted key achievements of the IMC within its short tenure, including the vetting, approval and sanctioning of several international bouts, and the restoration of professional boxing following its suspension. The committee has also developed and piloted revised medical and anti-doping protocols aimed at improving athlete safety.
Among the major boxing events successfully staged under the IMC’s supervision are Tarkwa Boxing Explosion, Legacy Rise Showdown, Battle of Gbagladza, Cabic Big Fight Night, RBS’s Boxing Masterpiece and Best of Bukom II.
The roadmap to the elections has been structured into phases, with the Reform Phase (February to April) focusing on incorporation, licensing, insurance rollout, medical protocols, the launch of a digital portal, constituency amendments, stakeholder registration, regional clinics, and training workshops.
The IMC comprises Chairman Samir Captan (former GBA President), Vice Chairman and Special Technical Adviser Azumah Nelson, Brigadier General (Rtd) I. B. Quartey, Felix Quartey Esq., Dr Hadi Mohammed Abdulah of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Ofori Asare, and Mr Lester Nii Amarh Kwantreng. The coordinating team includes Secretary Mr Patrick Johnson, Liaison Mr Gideon H. K. Oyiadzo, and National Anti-Doping Officer Mr Prince Azanu.
The committee was established on 29 September 2025 by the NSA Director General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, following the suspension of boxing activities in 2025 after the deaths of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwsegun and Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey, popularly known as “Bahubali”.
The upcoming elections are expected to mark a significant step in strengthening governance, safety standards and professional integrity within Ghana’s boxing fraternity.
By Sammy Heywood Okine