The resignation of Abraham Kotei Neequaye as President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s sporting circles.
Officially announced on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in a press statement issued by the GBA’s Communications Director, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Neequaye described his decision as “difficult” but “necessary,” citing “personal reasons.”
However, beneath that diplomatic phrasing lies a deeper, more emotionally charged story, one involving tragedy, political tensions, and a growing sense of isolation within the very sport he sought to elevate.
At the centre of the storm is the death of Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer Gabriel Oluwaseun Olanrewaju, who collapsed in the ring during a bout against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena on March 29, 2025.
Olanrewaju was rushed to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital but was later pronounced dead, sparking immediate concern and scrutiny across both Ghana and Nigeria.
The aftermath of the tragedy placed immense pressure on Neequaye, who, by all accounts, personally shouldered much of the responsibility.
Speaking on TV3, GBA’s Communications Director, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, revealed just how deeply Neequaye was affected, not just professionally, but emotionally and personally.
“When this Nigerian boxer passed away, he was the person who took responsibility for going through the process, the autopsy, I mean everything, he did it himself, supported by the promoter, Osebo Boxing Management.
“He then arranged for the repatriation of the boxer to Nigeria. The boxer was buried successfully, and just two days later, Abraham’s elder sister also passed away. We buried her last Friday,” Lamptey detailed.
These back-to-back losses, one public and tied to his role, the other deeply personal, dealt a heavy emotional blow.
“You can understand emotionally what Abraham Neequaye is going through. The controversies surrounding professional boxing in this country after the death of this boxer are really becoming a very, very sensitive issue that, if you’re not careful, will take the passion out of you,” Lamptey added.
The tension did not end with mourning. In the wake of the tragedy, Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation, under Minister Kofi Adams, launched a seven-member Committee of Enquiry to investigate the incident.
But instead of working collaboratively with the GBA, the relationship between Neequaye and the Ministry reportedly deteriorated quickly.
Lamptey did not mince words when addressing the rift, highlighting a loss of confidence from the Ministry that went beyond policy disagreements.
“All the boxers we have today who are really on cloud nine in Ghana, they were all produced and came through the boxing league under the leadership of Abraham Kotei Neequaye. So, if a minister says he cannot work with Abraham Kotei Neequaye, what can Abraham Kotei Neequaye do?” he questioned.
This reported rejection, despite Neequaye’s significant contributions to the sport, including the revitalisation of the national boxing league, was viewed by many in the GBA as a dismissal of his leadership and legacy.
Behind the scenes, sources indicate that the Ministry’s reluctance to continue working with the GBA president created an untenable environment.
While the public was told the resignation was driven by “career goals and personal aspirations,” it is clear that the accumulation of trauma, lack of institutional support, and political tension all played critical roles in Neequaye’s decision to step away.
His resignation takes effect on Friday, June 27, following an official press conference at the GBA Secretariat. In his farewell message, Neequaye expressed gratitude for his time in office, saying, “I actually value the insights I have gained, and I expect them to help me in my future endeavours.”
Watch the interview from minute 20 below:
FKA/MA
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