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A promising boxer, Ernest Akushey with ring name Bahubali has tragically passed away just days after his last bout, sending shockwaves through the Ghanaian boxing community and raising serious questions about the systems in place to protect fighters. While the official cause of death is yet to be determined, the incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and the promoters who are the lifeblood of the sport.
This is not just a moment for mourning; it is a critical juncture that demands introspection and accountability from the guardians of Ghanaian boxing. The dream of every young boxer is to climb the ranks and achieve glory, but at what cost? Are the fundamental safety nets in place robust enough to catch them when they fall
The Ghana Boxing Authority, as the primary regulatory body, bears the ultimate responsibility for the welfare of its licensed professionals. The tragic death of Ernest Akushey necessitates a transparent and thorough review of its protocols and procedures. What are the immediate, mandatory medical checks a boxer must undergo after a fight before they are permitted to leave the venue? Are there specific protocols to screen for signs of concussion and internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent? A boxer’s health risk does not end when the final bell rings.
What mechanisms does the GBA have in place to monitor a boxer’s health in the days and weeks following a gruelling contest? Is there a mandatory follow-up appointment, and who bears the financial responsibility for this? When a boxer is knocked out or has endured a particularly punishing fight, what is the standard medical suspension period? More importantly, what is the process for clearing a boxer to return to the ring? Does it involve comprehensive neurological and physical assessments? Are the ringside doctors and medical staff equipped and trained to handle severe, life-threatening injuries? Is there a clear and efficient protocol for emergency medical services to be on standby at every sanctioned event?
Promoters are the financial backbone of boxing events, but their responsibility extends far beyond organizing the fights and selling tickets.1 They have a moral and professional obligation to the fighters who put their lives on the line for the entertainment of others. Do promoters view comprehensive medical care for boxers as a fundamental cost of doing business, or is it an area where corners are cut to maximize profit?
What percentage of a promotion’s budget is allocated to fighter healthcare, including pre- and post-fight examinations? Is it mandatory for promoters to provide medical insurance for the boxers competing in their events? What does this insurance cover, and for how long after the fight does the coverage last? In the event of a serious injury or death, what financial recourse is available to the boxer or their family? Are promoters and the GBA actively educating boxers about the inherent dangers of their profession and the critical importance of seeking medical attention for any post-fight symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem?
The untimely passing of Ernest Akushey (Bahubali) must serve as a wake-up call. It is a tragic reminder of the brutal reality of boxing. The best way to honor his memory is for the Ghana Boxing Authority and the country’s boxing promoters to take a hard, honest look at their practices and implement the necessary changes to ensure that the health and safety of every boxer is, without question, the number one priority. Anything less is an unacceptable risk.
The questions have been asked; the boxing community now awaits the answers and, more importantly, the action that must follow.
