The Ghanaian Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced plans to form an investigative committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju.
Olanrewaju collapsed in the third round of his bout with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29. He was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
In the aftermath of the incident, Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), accused the Ghana Boxing Authority of negligence, suggesting that the fight was conducted without following proper boxing protocols.
During an interview with Sporty FM, a Ghanaian radio station, Adams expressed the government’s dedication to uncovering the truth behind the incident.
“The investigation will be thorough and transparent,” Adams stated. “We must ensure that all protocols required for the fight were followed, including those for ringside safety, and confirm if paramedics were present.”
He further explained, “The process has just begun. We will form a committee to investigate the situation. I assure everyone that nothing will be hidden, and we will ask all necessary questions.”
Adams also called for full cooperation from both the Nigerian and Ghanaian boxing authorities once the committee is officially established.
Segun Olanrewaju, a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion, had a professional boxing record of 24 bouts, including 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.
