The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has pledged urgent reforms in Ghana’s sports sector following the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, popularly known as ‘Success’, during a bout at the Trust Sports Emporium in Bukom last month.
Receiving the final report from the seven-member committee set up to investigate the incident, Mr. Adams expressed gratitude to the team for their dedication and tireless efforts. He described the death as a wake-up call, not only for boxing but for all sports federations in the country.
“I can’t say much, except to thank the committee for your hard work,” he said. “When the committee was formed, some people made unfortunate comments, but life is precious. Human life is not like a chicken — we cannot just move on when someone dies. It could be you or your relative tomorrow.”
Mr. Adams emphasized that many sports federations fail to follow basic safety protocols, citing the absence of ambulances and first aid personnel at major events. He warned that going forward, such negligence would not be tolerated. “If you intend to organize any activity, make sure you follow the full procedures, including notifying the police and emergency services,” he stressed.
The committee, chaired by Major (Rtd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, included prominent figures such as former Ghana Boxing Authority president Peter Zwennes, sports journalist Ekow Asmah, legal experts Samuel Bartels and Juliana Addo-Yobo, referee Eddie Pappoe, and sports medicine expert Dr. Martin Engmann.
Major Amarteifio described the incident as “unfortunate” but urged stakeholders to use it as a catalyst for reform. “Boxing has done so much to raise the country’s image,” he said. “It is sad that this is what it took to ring the alarm bell, but we must now act. This report provides a unique platform to address longstanding problems in sports, not just boxing.”
The Minister commended the committee for their relentless work, which included cross-border investigations in Nigeria. He highlighted their commitment, noting that they were the first to truly run a “24-hour economy” within the Ministry, setting an example for future assignments.
Mr. Adams assured that the Ministry would study the report thoroughly and implement its findings. “We placed so much confidence in the people we selected. We didn’t just pick anyone. I have no doubt that your report is thorough and honest,” he said.
He also acknowledged the concern of Nigerian authorities and indicated that the process of repatriating the late boxer’s body would begin now that the report has been completed.
The Minister concluded by urging the media to report the issue with accuracy and responsibility, commending their support throughout the investigation.
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