- The Medical Truth Behind Olanrewaju’s Death.
- GBA’s Shocking Lapses Exposed.
- What the Investigation Recommends
Autopsy has disclosed what really led to the death of the Nigerian boxer, Segun Olanrewaju.
Recall on March 29, Olanrewaju tragically collapsed during a bout in Ghana and later died.
A government-appointed committee has now exposed serious lapses by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) in medical oversight and licensing—failures that may have contributed directly to Olanrewaju’s death.
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Key Medical Findings in Olanrewaju’s Death
The investigative panel’s pathologist discovered that Olanrewaju had an enlarged heart, a condition sometimes seen in athletes.
While the exact trigger remains unclear, this pre-existing heart issue played a major role in his collapse.
- Enlarged heart diagnosis: Confirmed through pathological exams
- Trigger remains unknown: Scientific tests could not pinpoint a cause
The committee’s report highlights how GBA safety failures allowed an at-risk athlete to compete without proper checks.
Regulatory Oversights by the GBA
Lack of Licensed Medical Personnel
Under Ghanaian safety protocols, every official bout must have a licensed doctor ringside.
In Olanrewaju’s case, no such professional was present; only someone in a lab coat who turned out to be an imposter.
- No mandatory medical exam was conducted beforehand
- Emergency response was handled by unqualified personnel
Operating Without a Valid Licence
The GBA was found to be operating without any licence at all.
According to committee member Ekow Asmah, “When there’s no doctor, there should be no fight. The GBA doesn’t have a doctor.”
This actually breaches underscores systemic safety lapses.
Broader Systemic Issues
Chairman Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio led the seven-member panel, interviewing 30 witnesses in 21 days.
Also Read: Nigerian Boxer Success Olanrewaju’s Collapse: What Went Wrong
Their findings point to wider failures in Ghana’s boxing administration:
Unlicensed federations: 90% lack valid licences
Leadership concerns: Current head Abraham Neequaye criticized for mismanagement
These points emphasize the urgent need for reforms to prevent future tragedies and restore confidence in Ghana’s boxing governance.
Committee Recommendations
The 100-page report submitted to Sports Minister Kofi Adams makes several demands:
1. Repatriation and Funeral Costs: Ghana to cover all expenses for Olanrewaju’s return and burial.
2. Financial Support: Additional aid for the boxer’s family.
3. Regulatory Overhaul: Immediate licensing of GBA and all affiliated federations.
4. Medical Protocols: Mandatory on-site doctors at every sanctioned bout.
These steps aim to honor Olanrewaju’s memory and ensure GBA safety failures are never repeated.
Calls to Action
Share your thoughts: How can boxing bodies improve their safety standards? Leave a comment below.
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