By Ghana Eye Report
Ghanaian minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, on Tuesday inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate the death of Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju in Ghana last month.
Inaugurating the committee, the minister described the incident as one that cannot be swept under the carpet, expressing the commitment of the government to uncover the full truth behind the death of the boxer.
The committee made up of renowned personalities with expertise in the boxing industry are to determine circumstances leading to the death of the Nigerian boxer and has 21-days to submit its report.
The committee will be chaired by Ambassador Major (Retired) Amarkai Amarteifio, a former retired military officer. Other members include Peter Zwennes (Esq), Ekow Asmah, Samuel Bartels, Eddie Pappoe, Juliana Addo-Yobo (Esq), Secretary and Dr. Martin Engmann.
The committee is to determine, among other things, whether the organizers or promoters of the boxing match took adequate steps by international standards to prevent the death of Olanrewaju and determine whether the licensing authorities in Nigeria acted with due diligence and followed procedure in allowing the boxer to accept an international match in Accra according to his qualification and experience.
It is also to examine the conduct of officials and recommend sanctions where their conduct does not meet acceptable standards, recommend any changes in technical and medical procedures necessary to ensure total safety in boxing, as well as consider any other matter relevant to the terms to enhance the image of boxing and safeguard the interest and safety of all participants.
Nigerian boxer, Olanrewagu, a former national and West African light heavyweight champion, entered the bout on March 29 with a record of 23 fights, with 13 wins and eight defeats.
He collapsed in the third round of the match against Ghanaian boxer John Mbanugu. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the arena before being rushed to the hospital, he was later pronounced dead few minutes on arrival.
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) confirmed the incident through a statement by Abraham Kotei Neequaye, president of the association.
The Ghanaian government subsequently extended its condolences to the government and people of Nigeria over the death of the boxer.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I, on behalf of the Ministry of Sports & Recreation and the government, extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who tragically passed away following his contest at the Bukom Boxing Arena,” said Adam. Enditem
Source: Self
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