On Monday, August 24, 2026, former Ghanaian boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, widely known as Ayitey Powers, was remanded to police custody following his arrest in relation to an alleged death threat directed at National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. The arrest follows a social media video circulating on platforms, purportedly depicting Powers issuing the threat, a claim vehemently denied by the former boxer. The incident occurred within the Dansoman Circuit Court, where he was remanded to appear on September 2, 2026. This deepening of the situation follows a significant call from the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) urging immediate action from the Accra Regional Police Command, which has initiated a thorough investigation into the matter. The GBIMC contends that this alleged threat constitutes an unacceptable and criminal conduct, demanding immediate police intervention. Specifically, the committee stated that the threat against the NSA Director-General is a grave matter requiring urgent attention. The committee also warned against potential intimidation, thuggery, or impunity within the Ghanaian boxing community, emphasizing the need for a renewed commitment to discipline and respect within the sport. The GBIMC has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Powers, potentially impacting his professional future beyond the police investigation. The arrest follows a protracted history of disagreements between Powers and the NSA authorities, primarily centering on a government-enforced cancellation of a boxing event scheduled for September 27th, which resulted in a financial compensation dispute. Powers maintains that he lost close to $100,000 when the NSA and Ministry of Sports and Recreation suspended boxing activities due to the cancellation, and has engaged in a back-and-forth exchange with the NSA chief on social and mainstream media concerning the matter. The IMC was sworn into office on September 29, 2025, with the stated objective of sanitizing the boxing ecosystem and establishing safety and medical reforms, following the temporary ban of all boxing activities due to the death of Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey 12 days prior. The initial ban was enacted in response to the tragic passing of the boxer, a loss that occurred at the Bukom Boxing Arena, and a subsequent death at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, marking a significant blow to the boxing community. The Police, meanwhile, have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and have stated that Powers is currently in custody, as investigations continue.
Source: Graphic Online
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Source: Graphic Online
