Legal Clash in Ghanaian Boxing Over IMC Leadership

A significant legal conflict has erupted in Ghana’s boxing scene as ten prominent stakeholders have taken the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to court over claims that it is operating beyond its legal mandate. The IMC, led by Samir Captan, is facing demands to terminate its activities just weeks before a crucial deadline for elections aimed at reestablishing an elected board for the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

Background of the Dispute

The legal action was initiated on October 12, 2026, in Accra’s High Court, with the stakeholders requesting a permanent injunction to prevent Captan and the IMC from overseeing professional boxing. They argue that the committee's ongoing tenure contravenes both the GBA constitution and the national sports regulations.

Included in the lawsuit is GBA Secretary General Patrick Johnson, underscoring the broad implications of the case for Ghanaian boxing governance.

Reasons for Legal Action

The stakeholders assert that the IMC was initially appointed as a temporary measure after the tragic deaths of two boxers, Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey and Gabriel Oluwasegun Olarenwaju. While intended as a stabilizing force, they argue the committee has exceeded its original three-month stint that began on September 29, 2025, and was only allowed a one-month extension.

Moreover, they contend that an extension provided by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the National Sports Authority (NSA), which required elections by June, has also lapsed without the necessary polls being held.

Demands of the Plaintiffs

The plaintiffs are not only seeking to annul the IMC’s authority but also to restrict it from performing fundamental boxing-related functions such as issuing licenses, sanctioning matches, and managing the GBA’s financial accounts. In addition to restoring lawful governance, they are demanding an accounting of the committee’s management of GBA assets and funds.

Crucially, the stakeholders also seek an order for GBA Secretary General Patrick Johnson to call for an Extraordinary Congress within two weeks. This assembly would be charged with forming a five-member committee to oversee elections within five weeks.

Prominent Stakeholders Involved

Leading the charge are notable figures in Ghanaian boxing, including:

• Moshud Zaid, President of the Boxing Managers Association of Ghana
• Alex Ntiamoah-Boakye, President of the Boxing Promoters Association
• Abdul Rasheed Williams, President of the Boxing Matchmakers and Agents Association
• Charles Quartey, President of the United Boxing Coaches Association
• Erasmus Owoo, Vice-President of the Boxing Ring Officials Association
• Percy Commey, representing the Veteran Boxers Association
• Roger Barnor, former acting GBA President
• Shadrach Aquaye, recent GBA Technical Director
• Lawrence Carl Lokko, former GBA board member
• Nii Gonti Adjoor, known as Adama Addy, a past board member

Ongoing Administrative Challenges

This legal strife is the culmination of a series of challenges that began after the aforementioned unfortunate incidents in the boxing community. The original formation of the IMC was part of an effort to enhance safety protocols and implement critical reforms in response to these tragedies. However, as time has progressed, discontent with the committee's prolonged authority has intensified.

Earlier in January, the Committee for Professional Boxing Stakeholders (CPBS) had previously demanded a detailed electoral plan within seven days. Delays in election proceedings were attributed to various issues, including financial problems, disagreements over the delegates' list, and unresolved vetting challenges.

Now, Ghana's Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams has made it clear that the elections must take place by the October 31 deadline, stating that the government will not provide further financial support. Instead, he has directed that the electoral process should be financed through registration fees and contributions from candidates.