The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) has condemned former boxer Michael Nii Ayitey Okai, popularly known as Ayitey Powers, over an alleged death threat issued on social media against National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, calling for his arrest and prosecution.
The committee’s position follows reports that the Ghana Police Service was seeking Ayitey Powers over the alleged threat.
The development adds another layer to tensions surrounding Ghana’s boxing administration and recent disagreements between stakeholders and the NSA.
In a statement dated August 20, the GBIMC described the alleged conduct as unacceptable and criminal, insisting that threats against a public official cannot be tolerated.
It also alleged that Ayitey Powers has a history of online verbal abuse, including insults directed at GBIMC Chairman Samir Captan and Vice Chairman Professor Azumah Nelson.
The committee said it was acting within its mandate to restructure and regulate boxing and called on the Police Service to investigate the matter and, where appropriate, prosecute the former boxer.
“We are requesting the Ghana Police Service as a matter of urgency to investigate and appropriately prosecute Michael Nii Ayitey Okai,” the statement said.
The GBIMC has also announced disciplinary proceedings against Ayitey Powers, signalling that the matter could have consequences within boxing beyond the police investigation.
The committee warned that Ghanaian boxing must not be held hostage by intimidation, thuggery or impunity, while appealing to stakeholders and lovers of the sport to help restore discipline, respect and honour to boxing.
The controversy comes amid wider disagreements between boxing stakeholders and the NSA over the administration and regulation of the sport, making the latest allegations particularly sensitive for a sport undergoing institutional restructuring.
Powers as a promoter of Ayitey Powers Promotions, was forced to cancel a scheduled fight show at the eleventh hour due to the NSA enforced temporary suspension of the sport in September last year.
The former boxer claims the NSA boss promises him of a compensation for investments made towards the abotive show. He has therefore over the past few months, often taken to social media, in similar utterances to demand justice from the NSA and its Director-General.
