By Kwame Bediako
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, under the leadership of Kofi Adams, has inaugurated a seven-member Committee of Enquiry. This committee has been established to investigate the unfortunate death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a match at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29, 2025, and was pronounced dead shortly after at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The newly formed committee is chaired by Ambassador Major (RTD) Amarkai Amarteifio and includes notable members such as Peter Zwennes Esq., Ekow Asmah, Samuel Bartels Esq., Eddie Pappoe, Juliana Addo-Yobo Esq., and Martin Engmann. During the inauguration ceremony held on April 8, 2025, Kofi Adams emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating that it “cannot just be swept under the carpet.”
The committee has been given a strict timeline of 21 days to complete its investigation and submit a report. Their mandate extends beyond the immediate circumstances of Olanrewaju’s death, aiming to tackle broader regulatory and medical issues within Ghana’s boxing sector and its international engagements.
This comprehensive approach seeks to improve the safety and standards of boxing in the country. The Terms of Reference for the committee include several key objectives.
These are:
- To determine the circumstances leading to the death of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
- To assess whether the organizers or promoters of the boxing match adhered to adequate international standards to prevent such a tragedy.
- To investigate if the licensing authorities in Nigeria acted with due To examine the conduct of all officials involved and recommend appropriate sanctions for any shortcomings.
- To suggest necessary changes in technical and medical procedures to ensure the safety of participants in the sport.
- To consider any additional relevant matters and make recommendations to enhance the image of boxing and protect the interests and safety of all involved.
