Fans and NSA Mourn Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey: The People’s Fighter Gone Too Soon
The passing of Ghanaian boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey has left a deep scar on the nation’s sporting fraternity, as fans, officials, and colleagues mourn the loss of a fighter whose journey embodied determination and resilience.
Admired in boxing circles for his grit and fighting spirit, Bahubali had steadily built a growing fan base in recent years. In Bukom and beyond, he was celebrated not only for his fearlessness in the ring but also for his humility and warmth outside it.
“He never gave up, no matter the opponent,” recalled Kwaku Mensah, a fan who frequently cheered him on at local bouts. “Bahubali reminded us that boxing is not just about the big names. It’s about the hunger to prove yourself.”
His untimely death, reported on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, has shocked many in the sporting fraternity. Tributes have poured in from fans, trainers, and fellow boxers who describe him as “the people’s fighter” — a symbol of hope for young athletes rising from Ghana’s grassroots boxing culture.
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has also expressed its sorrow, extending condolences to Akushey’s family, the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), and the wider sporting community.
“The Authority shares in the grief of the bereaved family and the entire boxing fraternity, and stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time,” the NSA said in a statement. It further reaffirmed its commitment to athlete welfare, noting that it awaits the GBA’s full report on the circumstances of Akushey’s passing.
For many, Bahubali’s death has reignited conversations about the need for stronger structures to protect and support Ghanaian athletes. As one local trainer put it: “Behind every fight night, there’s a human being. We must do more to ensure their safety and future.”