President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to reviving Ghana’s boxing tradition by expanding the Bukom Boxing Arena project, which he says was stalled after he left office in 2017.
Speaking during a courtesy call by British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua at the Jubilee House on Monday, June 16, 2025, President Mahama explained that the initiative was conceived not merely as a sports venue, but as a holistic development hub for underprivileged boxing talent across Ghana.
“It’s actually an academy because it’s got hostels and classrooms. The intention was to scout young talents from all across the country, bring them to live there, train them, and allow them to go to school at the same time,” he said.
He further revealed that the project’s full potential was derailed by the political transition in 2017, but expressed renewed determination to ensure the arena reaches its intended impact.
“Unfortunately, after I left office, that dream was put on hold. But we now have the opportunity to take it up again. My one regret is that I didn’t build it bigger than it is now. I thought that a 4,000-capacity arena would be enough to host a boxing match, but it looks like we need a much bigger facility to meet the growing interest,” he added.
The Bukom Boxing Arena, Ghana’s first multi-purpose boxing facility, was inaugurated by President Mahama in November 2016.
The complex features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a conference hall, fitness facilities, and a central boxing ring. It was part of a broader strategy to reinvigorate boxing, a sport that has historically produced many of Ghana’s most iconic athletes.
Watch the video below:
“My dream to turn the Bukom Boxing Arena into a full academy was stalled after I left office — but we’ll pick it up again. In fact, we need an even bigger arena,” President Mahama says during a courtesy call by boxing star Anthony Joshua at Jubilee House. Watch the full video… pic.twitter.com/tmH0GKMqg5
— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) June 16, 2025
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