Former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, known as Ayitey Powers, has shared his personal account of the events that led to his remand after allegedly threatening the life of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. According to reports, the crisis began with unpaid debts from a boxing promotion he organised and an unresolved medical bill at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). Ayitey Powers also mentioned rumours that the government was planning to ban boxing events in Ghana.
Ayitey Powers explained that despite his international recognition as a boxer, he remains a tenant in Accra and has invested much of his money in boxing promotions rather than completing his own house. He reasoned that profits from promotions could eventually fund the house, whereas finishing the building first would leave him without income-generating capital. This decision has led to financial strain, contributing to his current situation.
The former boxer said he had heard that the government was considering halting boxing activities and sought clarification from Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams, who denied any such plan was in motion. He then reached out to NSA Director-General Ampofo Ankrah, who similarly assured him there was no threat to boxing events. Relying on those assurances, Ayitey Powers proceeded with arrangements for a boxing event, bringing foreign boxers into the country and booking them into hotels.
However, just a day before the event was scheduled to take place, Ayitey Powers received a letter announcing that boxing activities had been cancelled. When he called Ampofo Ankrah for an explanation, he was told the directive had come "from above" and that he should not speak on it. This sudden cancellation left Ayitey Powers unable to recover the money he had invested, and other people who had put money into the event demanded repayment from him.
Ayitey Powers said the mounting pressure and frustration led to comments that were interpreted as a threat against the NSA Director-General's life. He later apologised, but was subsequently arrested and remanded. He also disclosed that his foreign wife had once fainted and been rushed to UGMC for treatment, running up a bill of about GH¢1,400. Although he could only afford to pay GH¢400 at the time, the doctor eventually waived the outstanding GH¢1,000 after repeated calls.
Describing his time in custody after being remanded, Ayitey Powers said conditions were harsh and dehumanising. He said he was used to freedom of movement and could not imagine being confined for as long as he was, adding that were it not for his faith, he might have lost his mind during the ordeal. This experience has had a significant impact on Ayitey Powers, who is still coming to terms with the events that led to his remand.
The current legal status of Ayitey Powers and any potential charges or court dates have not been disclosed. The National Sports Authority, the government body responsible for overseeing sports development and facilities in Ghana, has not made any official statements regarding the incident. Ayitey Powers' case highlights the challenges faced by athletes and event organisers in Ghana, particularly in terms of financial management and communication with government agencies.
Key points
- Ayitey Powers was treated harshly in custody and owed GH¢1,000 to UGMC.
- The crisis began with unpaid debts from a boxing promotion and rumours of a government ban on boxing events.
- Ayitey Powers had received assurances from the Sports Minister and NSA Director-General that boxing events were not under threat.
