By Von Cofie
Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye has officially resigned as President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) due to his “fight” with the Minister of Sports & Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams and Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA).
“I am resigning because of His Excellency the President and the party I belong to but not afraid of the Minister and the Director General at all” he expressed.
Addressing a well attended Press Conference on Monday June 30, 2025; he urged the GBA board and all stakeholders in professional boxing to resist political interference in the sport.
He noted that the Ghana Boxing Authority is an autonomous body, and since the Ministry and NSA do financially support them, they have no right to interfer in their internal matters, recalling the Imax Promotions Boxing League and the sudden death of the Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olusegun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju in Ghana.
“I urge the board and all stakeholders to fight against political interference, let’s not encourage it now to save the future of Ghana Boxing” he expressed.
“Don’t be intimidated by politicians, fight for your rights” he conveyed.
Mr. Gideon Hanson Appiah, a coopted member of the board in charge on Marketing gave an overview of the current financial status of the GBA since 23rd July 2021. He revealed that $3,000 was left by the previous administration instead of the speculated $30,000.
He commended, appreciated and explained the relations with Imax Media Boxing Promotions as well as how they disbursed monies whenever they organized the Professional Boxing League which they telecasted live on Max TV and other international networks. He also thanked co sponsors like Arla Foods, producers of Dano Milk, Bell 7 Star and Premier Motors.
Mr. Hanson Appiah and Coach Lartekwei Latey of Fit Square Boxing Club were the two officials who represented Ghana together with Abraham Boakye and some Sports Supporters at the funeral of the Nigerian boxer.
The Public Relations Officer / Communications Director, Mohammed Amin Lamptey recounted the achievements of Abraham Neequaye, recalling his contributions from amateur boxing to professional boxing, playing leadership and motivational roles, purchasing a car for branding and marketing purpse for the GBA, refurbishment of the GBA Office (inside the Bukom Boxing Arena), ordering national titles which are kept by national champions, issuing health insurance to boxers, coaches and some matchmakers, organing a prosperous well attended league, presentation of brand new Renault salon cars to winning gyms and best boxer, Charles Tetteh and the successful burial of the Nigerian boxer without any support or contribution from the Ministry and NSA who conducted an investigation on the death which delayed the repatriation of the body to Nigeria.
He said the previous administration never presented the current admintration any official documents; however they have worked hard 24 hours on some days and created Promotions and Communications Desks. The GBA has organuse a Media Seminar for Sports Journalists and trained new referees and judges who officiate most bouts at the Boxing Arena.
“The NSA and Ministry want to dent the image of the GBA and we cant’t allow that to happen” he expressed.
The former GBA President called for unity of all boxing stakeholders to save the sport from politicians.
“I am a politician that is why I am stepping aside, but I will fight and come back to contest the next elections as some people said I am afraid. I am not afraid of anyone, I beat Dr. Henry Manly Spain when I have not achieved anything for Ghana Boxing, how about now when I have done much” he articulated.
Mr. Abraham Kotei Neequaye officially handed over to his Second Vice President Mr. Roger Barnor, in the presence of other board members like Alhaji Toffik, Sharach Aquaye and Deputy Promotions Manager Michael Tetteh aka Golden Mike, Ayitey Powers, President of the Voice of Professional Boxers and a number of coaches, promoters, matchmakers and boxing fans.
The past GBA President seems to have some amount of sympathisers who were present at the event to offer him moral support.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
