Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has assured that individuals found culpable in the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun will face appropriate sanctions.
This comes after the tragic incident on Saturday, April 6, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, where Oluwasegun collapsed in the ring during a professional bout and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
🇳🇬Nigerian boxer Olanrewaju ‘Success’ Segun, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, tragically collapsed & passed away during a match against 🇬🇭Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena on the night of March 29, 2025.
😰🥹🥹😰#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/8U8iAIKoyj
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) March 30, 2025
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), has set up a seven-member committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the boxer’s death.
The committee is composed of medical professionals, legal experts, and representatives from Ghana’s boxing regulatory bodies.
Speaking to the media, Minister Adams emphasized the seriousness with which the government is treating the matter.
The objective is stated in the terms of reference.
If there is anything that should have been done that was not done and if it can be done, we will make sure that it is done in future so we will avoid such situations.
And of course if anybody did something wrong that they know should have done, if the rules suggest that this is the punishment for this wrong, that punishment will be given.
The incident has sparked widespread concern in both Ghana and Nigeria, with many questioning the medical preparedness and safety protocols surrounding boxing events in the country.
GBA President Abraham Neequaye has also promised full cooperation with the investigative committee, stating that the boxing authority remains committed to maintaining safety standards and protecting athletes’ welfare.
The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
