The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has reconstituted its Executive Board and scheduled an Extraordinary Congress for July 19, marking a critical moment in efforts to restore leadership stability and regulatory compliance following the controversial exit of former President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye.

The newly constituted board, which was led by its acting President, Roger Barnor, held its first meeting with key stakeholders last Thursday, with discussions focused on aligning with directives from the National Sports Authority (NSA) and implementing key constitutional reforms.

In accordance with the GBA Constitution—which requires the inclusion of two co-opted members, a medical officer, a lawyer and a communications officer—the board has been expanded and restructured.

The full board now comprises Roger Barnor (acting President), Lord Acquaye (Treasurer), Shadrack Acquaye (acting Secretary), Carl Lokko, Alhaji Murtala Tofiki and Michael Neequaye (elected members), Nii Gonti, Michael “Golden Mike” Tetteh (co-opted member), Dr Eric Tetteh (Medical Officer), Lawyer Sam Laryea (Legal Advisor) and Andrew Nortey (Communications Officer).

The new board’s interim mandate runs until July 22, during which it is expected to oversee critical transitional decisions, including preparations for fresh leadership elections.

NSA directives, elections

One of the board’s top priorities is seeking clearance from the NSA over an earlier directive suspending GBA’s planned elections, which had been slated for July 16 by the outgone president.

The NSA instructed the GBA to pause all electoral processes pending the full implementation of recommendations from the Committee of Inquiry into the tragic death of Nigerian boxer, Gabriel Olanrewaju.

With elections now off the table, the July 19 Extraordinary Congress is expected to set a new direction for the GBA, including a roadmap for elections, structural reforms, and compliance with the NSA’s conditions.

Sources close to the GBA indicate that the new board believes it can demonstrate to the NSA that it has the capacity and resolve to restore integrity, unity and operational discipline within the authority.

Beyond electoral issues, the GBA has initiated plans to form specialised sub-committees—covering key areas such as security, marketing and technical operations—with heads reporting directly to the board as part of a broader governance reform strategy.

Barnor urges united front 

Addressing the media after the meeting, the GBA boss, a veteran international boxing referee and judge, stressed the need for reconciliation and collective progress.

“Unity and peace were the words that resonated with all during both the board meeting and the stakeholder engagements,” Mr Barnor stated.

“We hope that this message of goodwill will continue to spread within the boxing community, so we can together prosecute the GBA’s agenda in peace and harmony,” he said.