Ghana’s professional boxing is facing a fresh governance crisis, with the much-anticipated elections to install a new Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) board remaining shrouded in uncertainty amid delays, funding constraints and a lack of clear electoral direction.
With less than a month to the proposed June 2 polls — and a scheduled June 4 handover — the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) is yet to open nominations, publish timelines or outline the modalities for the electoral process, raising serious doubts about whether the deadline can be met.
More critically, there is still no elections committee in place, nor any clarity on its composition, a glaring omission that has unsettled stakeholders across the boxing fraternity and cast a shadow over the credibility of the process.
The GBIMC, led by veteran promoter Samir Captan alongside boxing legend Azumah Nelson, was installed in September last year following the dissolution of the previous GBA board after two ring-related fatalities. Tasked with restoring order and safeguarding boxer welfare, the committee now finds itself battling operational paralysis.
Investigations indicate that a major stumbling block is finances. The GBIMC is yet to receive the necessary funding from the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, a situation insiders say has crippled its ability to organise elections.
“You need money to organise an election, and the IMC has not received any money to work. It is one thing not to pay the members, but without money, there cannot be an election,” a source within the committee revealed.
Despite the administrative gridlock, the political race for control of Ghana’s boxing is intensifying, with new contenders stepping forward.
Ghanaian-American businessman and CEO of Bishop Boxing Promotions, Dave Bishop, has declared his intention to contest for the First Vice-President position, while Ellis Quaye,
Executive Director of Cabic Promotions, is targeting the Second Vice-President role.
Bishop, who also serves as a Development Chief in the Central Region with the stool name Nana Ekow Amu I, is campaigning on the theme: “Elevating Ghana’s Boxing: Experience, Dedication, Leadership.”
His agenda focuses on grassroots development, infrastructure improvement, athlete welfare and strengthening Ghana’s global boxing footprint.
“Ghana boxing has immense potential. With hands-on experience in promotion, a commitment to long-term athlete development, and principled leadership, I will work to open new pathways for boxers and strengthen the system that supports them,” he stated.
He is expected to face competition from the immediate past Acting President, Roger Barnor — a veteran referee/judge with over three decades of experience — as well as respected trainer Ernest Ofori.
Quaye, meanwhile, brings a corporate and technical profile to the race. A UK-trained civil engineer and founding executive of Cabic Promotions, he has played a central role in the outfit’s operations since its formation in 2018. His candidacy also aligns with that of his principal, Ivan Bruce-Cudjoe, who is contesting for the presidency.
When eventually conducted, the elections are expected to produce a new executive board comprising a president, two vice-presidents, a treasurer and four executive members to steer professional boxing in Ghana over the next four years.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh