Mr Abraham Kotei Neequaye, who recently resigned as President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), has stressed the importance of keeping political issues separate from the sport of boxing.
According to Mr Neequaye, there are intentions to set aside the GBA’s top hierarchy following the recent committee report that investigated the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.
During a press conference in Accra on Monday, June 30, 2025, Mr Neequaye stated that the GBA was an autonomous body and that the Sports Ministry and National Sports Authority (NSA) could not interfere with its operations.
“I urge the boxing coaches’ association and board boxers’ association to stand up so that the GBA is not set aside. The Sports Ministry and the NSA have no right to set aside the GBA because it is an autonomous body.
“They should not bring politics to sports because both are different. I am a politician, and they have issues with me, that is why I am staying away from sport. Let’s develop the sport of boxing together,” he said.
Mr Neequaye voiced his displeasure with the Committee Report on the Nigerian boxer’s death, arguing that its recommendations were misplaced.
“After the Minister had the report, they were supported to make a copy available to the GBA, but it has not been done. So how can you do a reform without making the report available to the stakeholders?
“They should stay away from Ghana boxing because we are autonomous, and I urge my Vice President and Board Members to fight and prevent the body from being set aside,” Mr Neequaye said.
Despite resigning, Mr Neequaye hinted at a possibility of contesting the upcoming GBA elections, which are scheduled for later in July 2025.