The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, led by Kofi Iddie Adams ,has established a seven-member committee on Tuesday, April 8, to investigate the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.
The committee is chaired by Amb. Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio with membership consisting of former chairman of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Mr Peter Zwennes Esq., renowned Ghanaian boxing judge, Ataa Eddie Pappoe, Dr Martin Engmann, Mr Ekow Asmah, Samuel Bartels Esq., and Mrs Juliana Addo-Yobo Esq., who doubles as secretary of the committee.
The Nigerian collapsed during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29, 2025, and was later pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
In his remarks the Minister, expressed his utmost confidence in the selection of the members of the committee and noted that, he was of the firm conviction that the committee would bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding the death of the boxer since the members were clothed with the requisite knowledge and expertise to do the work conscientiously.
Kofi Adams noted the importance of the issue and believed it must not be swept under the carpet or only lament about the issue but had to take action to forestall future occurrences by taking the first step of putting together the committee adding that, a careful search was done to arrive at the composition of the membership for the committee.
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He assured Ghanaians, Nigerians and anyone interested in the issue that, a thorough work will be done and lessons will be learnt from the unfortunate incident for it not to repeat itself again giving the committee an ultimatum of 21 days to present their report.
On his part, the Chairman of the committee Amb. Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio expressed his gratitude to the Minister and the Government for reposing confidence in him and his colleague members and pledged to do their best to unravel the issues surrounding the unfortunate incident adding that, they would not be intimidated by the enormity of the assignment.
He promised to do the work within the stipulated time or even before the time depending on the level of collaboration among all interested parties and expressed his belief that, the work will be done to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
The committee's Terms of Reference include:
- To determine the circumstances leading to the death of the Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju (deceased) at the Bukom Boxing Arena on the 29th of March 2025.
- To determine whether the organizers or promoters of the Boxing match took adequate steps by international standards to prevent the death of the boxer
- To determine whether the licensing authorities in Nigeria acted with due diligence and followed procedure in allowing the boxer to accept an international match in Accra, according to his qualification and experience
- Examine the conduct of all officials, singular and collective, and recommend sanctions where such conduct does not meet acceptable standards
- Recommend any changes in technical and medical procedures necessary to ensure total safety in the noble art of self-defense
- To consider any other matter relevant to the terms set down in the matter of hearing and make appropriate recommendations to enhance the image of boxing, safeguard the interests and safety of all participants.