Ghana boxing election in jeopardy as funding dispute deepens leadership crisis

Ghana boxing’s return to elected leadership is facing fresh uncertainty as a funding dispute between the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) and Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams threatens to derail the October 31 election deadline.

The Samir Captan-led committee says it is awaiting government funding to complete the electoral process, but the minister has ruled out additional financial support, insisting that the exercise can be financed through nomination fees and contributions from candidates.

The impasse comes amid a separate High Court challenge to the committee’s continued stay in office following the expiration of its original mandate.

In a statement dated October 20, Mr Captan said the committee was still awaiting promised government funding to complete its outstanding assignments and organise elections, tentatively scheduled for October 30.

However, Adams had earlier insisted that the elections must be held by October 31, making it clear that the government would not provide additional funds.

“We have told the Director-General of the NSA we have no additional funds,” Mr Adams is quoted by Graphic Sports to have said, arguing that proceeds from nomination forms and filing fees should be sufficient to finance the exercise.

The minister added that candidates could make additional contributions if necessary.

*Funding assurances at the centre of dispute*

The GBIMC maintains that its expectation of government support followed assurances communicated through the National Sports Authority (NSA).

According to the committee, the NSA requested an update on September 3 regarding operational funding and progress towards the elections.

The GBIMC subsequently proposed October 30 as the election date, subject to the availability of funds.

On September 29, the NSA reportedly informed the committee that the Sports and Recreation Ministry would provide the necessary financial support.

Relying on that communication, the committee submitted a formal funding request on October 8 to complete its outstanding assignments, finalise electoral arrangements, and facilitate a smooth handover to an elected GBA executive board.

With the funds yet to materialise, the committee says it has written to the minister and the acting NSA Director-General seeking further engagement.

Despite the uncertainty, the GBIMC says preparations are progressing, with candidate vetting completed, stakeholder validation ongoing, and petitions concerning delegate eligibility and representation still under consideration.

*Questions over election revenue*

The committee’s insistence on government funding has raised questions about the revenue generated through nomination and filing fees.

Presidential aspirants were charged GHC10,000 each, while vice-presidential candidates paid GHC 5,000. Candidates for treasurer and executive board positions were charged GHC 3,000 each, with an additional GHC 500 for nomination forms.

Although these fees do not establish the total amount collected, they raise questions about the overall cost of the election, the revenue already available to the committee, and the precise funding shortfall.

The GBIMC has yet to establish publicly, in the information provided, how much it has collected and how much additional funding is required to complete the process.

*High Court challenge adds to pressure*

The funding dispute is unfolding against the backdrop of a legal challenge to the committee’s continued authority.

On October 12, ten boxing stakeholders filed a suit at the Accra High Court challenging the GBIMC’s continued stay in office, arguing that its mandate had expired.

The plaintiffs are seeking judicial intervention to end the interim administration and establish a process for restoring elected leadership to the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The committee was inaugurated in September 2025 following the dissolution of the previous GBA board and the suspension of professional boxing after two ring-related deaths.

Since taking office, it has overseen safety reforms and the resumption of professional boxing. However, repeated delays in holding elections and its prolonged tenure have intensified concerns over the sport’s governance.

With the October 31 deadline approaching, the minister ruling out further funding and a court challenge hanging over its authority, the GBIMC faces mounting pressure to resolve the impasse.

For Ghana boxing, the immediate question is whether the committee can complete the electoral process on time and pave the way for a return to elected leadership.