By: Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has finalized arrangements to repatriate the body of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju to his home country on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Olanrewaju tragically passed away on March 29, 2025, during a professional bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.
The GBA, led by President Abraham Kotei Neequaye, has worked tirelessly to ensure the late boxer receives a dignified return to Nigeria.
The repatriation process has been facilitated by the GBA’s efforts to secure necessary documentation, including a critical report from the Ministry of Health.
Abraham Kotei Neequaye has also settled logistical requirements at Kotoka International Airport, covering flight cargo charges of $1,000 and custom arrangement fees of GHC5,000.
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) and the bereaved family had diplomatically requested the repatriation to enable them to prepare for a befitting return home.
The GBA has submitted all reports and information gathered since Olanrewaju’s passing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring compliance with diplomatic and legal protocols.
A committee, chaired by Major (Retired) Amarkai Amarteifio, was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death. The committee’s findings, presented to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, have been hailed as a potential catalyst for reform in Ghana’s sporting sector.
Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the committee’s recommendations.
“Life is precious, and the incident that happened was unfortunate, but it serves as a call to be able to reform things,” Mr Kofi Adams said.
The minister emphasized the importance of prioritizing athlete safety and urged sports federations to follow laid-down procedures in organizing events.
