“I resigned because of President Mahama”- Abraham Kotei Neequaye
Former President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Abraham Kotei Neequaye, has officially stepped down from his role, citing loyalty to former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a major influence behind his decision.
Neequaye, who initially submitted his resignation via WhatsApp on Wednesday, surprised many by calling a press conference on Monday, June 30, 2025, to provide deeper insight into his exit—expressing strong emotions and making bold accusations against state sports authorities.
“I cannot fight my own government and my own party,” Neequaye said emotionally, explaining that his continued tenure would have placed him in direct conflict with key institutions within the current administration.
He referenced growing interference from the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports as having contributed to an increasingly untenable working environment.
During the press conference, the former GBA boss strongly criticized what he described as unjustified intrusions by the NSA and Sports Ministry in the affairs of the Ghana Boxing Authority.
“The NSA and the Ministry have no right to sideline the GBA. If you allow it, you’re creating a dangerous precedent that will haunt the sport,” he warned, directing his comments toward the incoming leadership and boxing stakeholders.
With his resignation now official, 2nd Vice President Roger Barnor has assumed the role of President of the Ghana Boxing Authority. Barnor is expected to continue ongoing reforms while addressing governance issues raised by his predecessor.
The boxing community now watches with keen interest as the GBA enters a new phase under Barnor’s leadership, amid mounting pressure to safeguard its independence and revive the fortunes of Ghanaian boxing.
