A government-appointed committee investigating the death of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju has confirmed that the fighter suffered from pre-existing heart conditions. The probe also uncovered significant regulatory failures by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), which lacked a licensed doctor during the bout when Olanrewaju collapsed.
Veteran journalist and boxing expert Ekow Asmah, a member of the investigative panel established by Sports Minister Kofi Adams, disclosed that pathological examinations revealed an enlarged heart—a condition common among athletes—that contributed to Olanrewaju’s sudden collapse.
“The pathologist detailed that the boxer had an enlarged heart. However, the exact trigger for this condition could not be determined despite thorough scientific tests,” Asmah explained.
Olanrewaju, known as ‘Success,’ collapsed during a match against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena, Bukom, on 29th March. He was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Hospital.
The committee’s findings were damning toward the GBA’s handling of the event, citing a lack of proper licensing and failure to ensure mandatory medical supervision.
“The GBA had no doctor on site. Without a doctor, fights shouldn’t proceed. Olanrewaju did not undergo the required medical examination before the fight,” Asmah stated.
The investigation also revealed that the individual who rushed to assist in the ring was an imposter, not a qualified medical professional.
“The man in the lab coat was not a doctor,” said Asmah. “This is a serious breach of safety protocol.”
Further criticism was directed at the leadership of the GBA. Asmah condemned the current head, Abraham Neequaye, accusing him of mismanagement and running the organization “like a pimp runs a brothel.”
“The GBA is operating without a license. About 90% of federations lack proper licensing, which is unacceptable and must be corrected,” he added.
The seven-member committee, chaired by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, completed its inquiry within 21 days after interviewing 30 witnesses. The report was submitted to Sports Minister Kofi Adams and included recommendations that Ghana take full responsibility for repatriating Olanrewaju’s remains to Nigeria, covering all funeral expenses. Additional financial support to the family is also expected.
Asmah emphasized the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria throughout the investigation, with international boxing authorities providing technical oversight to ensure thoroughness and transparency.
