The Ghanaian Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has set up a seven-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju. The boxer, known as ‘Success,’ passed away at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after collapsing during a bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29, 2025.
The committee, chaired by Major (Retd) Amarkai Amarteifio, includes former Ghana Boxing Authority President Peter Zwennes, veteran sports journalists Ekow Ansah and Samuel Bartels, Eddie Pappoe, Juliana Addo-Yobo, and Dr. Martin Engmann. Their mandate is to determine the circumstances leading to Olanrewaju’s death, assess the safety measures implemented by event organizers, and evaluate whether the boxer received proper clearance from the Nigerian Boxing Authority for the bout. They will also examine the conduct of officials during and after the incident and recommend improvements to medical procedures at boxing events.
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has accused the Ghana Boxing Authority of negligence, citing irregularities such as a weight differential issue and the lack of a pre-fight medical examination. An autopsy revealed that Olanrewaju died from sudden cardiac arrest.
This investigation aims to provide clarity on the events leading to Olanrewaju’s tragic death and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The committee has been given 21 days to submit its findings, which will be crucial in addressing concerns about athlete safety and adherence to international boxing standards.
Ghana Establishes Committee to Investigate Death of Nigerian Boxer Olanrewaju
