Sports Minister Kofi Adams has begun consultations with the newly formed Boxing Normalisation Committee as government steps up efforts to reform the sport.
The preliminary meeting, held on September 26 at the Ministry’s conference room and chaired by NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, comes ahead of the committee’s official inauguration on September 29.
The body was established following the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in March. An independent inquiry chaired by Rtd. Amarkai Amarteifio later produced a 100-page report recommending sweeping reforms.
Addressing members, Mr. Adams commended their commitment and stressed the process was about safeguarding the sport’s future. “We are determined to restore boxing to a state of professionalism, safety, and international respect,” he said.
Immediate reforms outlined include mandatory medical protocols, updated health records for fighters, a new Medical Commission, and stronger anti-doping measures in partnership with NADA. The Minister urged the committee to act swiftly and transparently, noting structured competitions are expected to resume before year’s end.
The Ministry has also prepared a white paper to guide implementation of the inquiry’s recommendations, which the committee will oversee under ministerial supervision.
