7-member c’ttee inaugurated to probe death of Nigerian boxer

The Minister of Sports and Rec­reation, Mr Kofi Adams, yesterday inaugurated a seven-member Committee of Enquiry to probe the death of the Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing in the ring.The committee is chaired by Amb. Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio with membership consisting of former chairman of the Ghana Boxing Authority, Mr Peter Zwennes Esq.

, renowned Ghanaian boxing judge, Ataa Eddie Pappoe, Dr Martin Engmann, Mr Ekow Asmah, Samuel Bartels Esq., and Mrs Juliana Addo-Yobo Esq., who doubles as secretary of the committee.



A representative from Nigeria will join the committee as an ob­server in a bid to promote trust and transparency.Olanrewaju was engaged in a light heavyweight bout with Gha­naian boxer, John Mbanugu, at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29 when the tragedy incident happened.The committee will determine the circumstances leading to the boxer’s death, whether arrangement met international standards to prevent the death of the boxer, and find out whether the licensing au­thorities in Nigeria acted with due diligence and followed procedure in allowing the boxer to fight in Accra.

Also, they have been charged to recommend any changes in technical and medical procedures necessary to ensure total safety in the noble art of self-defense as well as consider any other matter relevant to the terms set down in the matter of the hearing and make appropriate recommendations to enhance the image of boxing and safeguard the interest and safety of all participants.Inaugurating the committee at the Sports Ministry, Mr Adams stated that the incident was one that cannot be swept under the carpet, adding that the government was committed to uncovering the truth behind the death of Olanre­waju and to pick worthy lessons to improve the safety of the sport.They have 21 days to work and submit their report.

In his acceptance speech, Amb. Major (Rtd) Amarteifio stated that they were well aware of the task ahead and well positioned to deliver.“This is a matter with interna­tional implications.

The image of the sport is very important. So is the life of the participants and the reputation of Africa,” he indicated. BY RAYMOND ACKUMEYThe post 7-member c’ttee inaugurated to probe death of Nigerian boxer appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

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