The seven-member committee investigating the death of Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju at Bukom Arena has submitted its final report to Ghana’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Kofi Adams.
Chaired by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, the committee was inaugurated on April 8, 2025, and completed its work within the 21-day deadline.
Receiving the report, Minister Adams commended the committee for its dedication and assured that the Ministry would study the recommendations thoroughly before making them public. He added that the suggestions would guide reforms in boxing and other sports to prevent similar tragedies.
Chairman Amarteifio expressed hope that the report would lead to positive change in the sport. He also appreciated his team, the staff of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and everyone who contributed to the findings.
The Secretary General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), Remi Aboderin, told our correspondent that they expected an update from Ghana by Monday. “Now that the report is in, we’ll know what comes next,” he said.
Olanrewaju’s family hopes the report’s submission will speed up the release of his body for burial, having waited nearly seven weeks for closure.
The boxer, known as ‘Success,’ died on March 29 after collapsing during a match against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu. His death sparked outrage, with the NBBofC alleging negligence by the Ghana Boxing Authority.
Olanrewaju’s grieving mother said not being able to bury her only son had left her in constant tears. A family friend, Taiwo Azeez, added that the lack of burial had deepened the family’s pain.
Earlier this month, Olanrewaju was posthumously honoured with the Ultimate Sacrifice Award at Nigeria’s first boxing awards ceremony in Lagos.
Now, with the report submitted, stakeholders await the Ministry’s response and possible reforms to boxing safety standards across West Africa.
