What began as a heated standoff between boxing promoter Michael Ayitey Okine, popularly known as Ayitey Powers, and National Sports Authority (NSA) boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has ended in reconciliation.
The controversy arose from the NSA’s decision to suspend all boxing activities following the tragic death of Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey, alias Bahubali, who passed away on September 23, 2025, just days after a sanctioned bout.
On September 26, 2025, the NSA announced its directive, sparking outrage within the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) and among promoters.
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Ayitey Powers openly criticised the NSA, accusing the authority of disrespect for failing to formally consult their offices before enforcing the suspension.
“The minister denied knowledge of the news and asked me to go see Yaw. He also denied the reports, so I don’t understand why they are now doing this to me,” Powers lamented.
Ampofo Ankrah, in his defense, explained that he had reached out to Powers to discuss possible rescheduling of his upcoming promotion, but said their conversation was cut short. Tensions, however, began to ease over the weekend.
On Monday, September 29, 2025, both men appeared together and officially ended the feud.
“I’m very happy to be with the honourable himself,” Ayitey Powers said, smiling as he shook hands and embraced the NSA chief.
Promoter Sammy Anim Addo also weighed in, urging calm, “The next bout will be better organised, and we’ll use it to celebrate our fallen hero, Bahubali. Every protocol will be respected.”
Watch the video below:
“Forget all the rumours. Everything is down. The bouts will come on as planned and will be used to honour Bahubali.”
Ayitey Powers all smiles with NSA chair Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and boxing promoter Sammy Anim Addo.
Powers’ bouts are now scheduled to go on as planned.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/WA0CnYgLq2
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) September 29, 2025
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