The Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has officially inaugurated a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29, 2025.
The establishment of the committee comes after widespread concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of the athlete during a boxing match.
Committee Members
The committee will be led by Amarkai Amarteifio as Chairman.
The full list of members appointed to the committee includes Peter Zwennes Esq., Samuel Bartels Esq., and Eddie Pappoe, all from Accra. Dr. Martin Engmann, also from Accra, has been included, and the Secretary for the committee will be Mrs. Juliana Addo-Yobo Esq. from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MOSR).
Terms of Reference for the Committee
The committee has been given several important tasks to investigate and determine the events surrounding the death of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.
The main objectives of the committee are outlined as follows:
1. Circumstances of Death: The committee is tasked with determining the exact circumstances that led to the death of the Nigerian boxer at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29, 2025. This will include a thorough review of the match and the conditions under which it occurred.
2. Organizer and Promoter Responsibility: A key focus will be on whether the organizers and promoters of the match took adequate steps to prevent the tragic incident, particularly adhering to international safety standards. The committee will assess the measures in place to safeguard the health and well-being of the participants.
3. Licensing and Diligence: The committee will also investigate whether the relevant licensing authorities in Nigeria conducted proper due diligence before allowing Olanrewaju to take part in the international match. This will involve reviewing his qualifications and experience to ensure he was fit to compete.
4. Examination of Official Conduct: The behavior and actions of all officials involved in the event, both individually and collectively, will be scrutinized. The committee will recommend sanctions if any conduct is deemed to fall below acceptable standards.
5. Recommendations for Safety Improvements: The committee will provide recommendations for any necessary changes in technical and medical procedures to enhance safety standards in the sport of boxing. This will help ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
6. Consideration of Other Relevant Matters: In addition to the specific issues listed above, the committee will consider any other relevant matters related to the case. They are expected to make appropriate recommendations that aim to improve the safety of boxing and enhance the sport’s image.
The creation of this committee follows an outcry over the safety of boxers, particularly in the wake of Olanrewaju’s death. It underscores the need for greater scrutiny and reforms in the management of boxing events, especially regarding the safety measures in place for fighters.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has promised a thorough investigation, assuring the public that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the integrity of the sport and the safety of its participants moving forward.
This incident has also sparked broader discussions about the need for heightened safety protocols and better oversight in combat sports.
The committee is expected to release its findings and recommendations once its investigation is complete.
The tragic incident has already led to calls for reforms within the Ghana Boxing Authority and other governing bodies to prevent any similar fatalities in the future.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
