The contest for the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) presidency is rapidly intensifying, and Ivan Bruce-Cudjoe has moved decisively to establish himself as the frontrunner with a bold, far-reaching manifesto designed to fundamentally transform the administration of professional boxing in Ghana.
The seasoned promoter and businessman, who serves as Chief Executive Officer of Cabic Boxing Promotions and Management, made a strategic appearance at the United Boxing Association of Ghana meeting grounds at James Town where he engaged coaches and key stakeholders directly in the days leading up to the critical June 2 elections.
Presenting himself unequivocally as the candidate of reform, Bruce-Cudjoe has declared his readiness to deliver what he describes as a long-overdue “reset” of the sport, a phrase that has become the defining motive of his campaign.
The forthcoming polls follow a revised electoral framework announced in February, which established a May–June timetable to restore full administrative authority following the tenure of the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC). Delegates are expected to elect a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, and four Executive Members, with the formal handover of nominations set for June 4.
Though the official opening of nominations is yet to be confirmed, behind-the-scenes manoeuvring has already begun in earnest.
Meanwhile, the race for the First Vice-President position is shaping into a closely contested battle of its own. Former Second Vice-President Roger Bannor has confirmed his candidacy, while outspoken trainer and coaches’ union secretary Ernest Ofori is also reported to be in the running for the role.
The vision to reset Ghana boxing remains the same. We are going to promote real competition across all 16 regions to ensure that you must defeat all regional champions before you can become the national champion.” Ivan Bruce-Cudjoe, GBA Presidential Candidate
At the heart of Bruce-Cudjoe’s campaign is an ambitious overhaul of Ghana’s boxing structure, anchored by three core pillars. Competitive integrity across all regions, structural expansion, and meaningfully improved conditions for fighters and coaches.
We are going to promote real competition across all 16 regions to ensure that you must defeat all regional champions before you can be crowned national champion,” he told coaches at the engagement.
His vision, he argued, would produce more credible, battle-tested champions capable of competing on the world stage.
I am very confident that such a champion will make us proud internationally, and we will surely produce world champions in no time,” Bruce-Cudjoe affirmed, projecting confidence in the transformative potential of a regionally grounded competitive pathway.
Beyond competition reform, Bruce-Cudjoe is also advancing a robust institutional agenda. He has pledged to forge a close working relationship with the National Sports Authority (NSA) to professionalise coaching structures across the country, a commitment he says will translate into tangible opportunities for coaches at the grassroots level.
I also have a plan to engage the NSA so we can collaborate to appoint coaches on good salaries in the 16 regions, with the goal of developing and training more boxers in an open, all-inclusive administration for the success of Ghana boxing,” he assured stakeholders.
His vision is to expand the talent base, deepen competition, and align incentives across every level of the system from grassroots gyms through to elite fighters competing for national and international honours.
Bruce-Cudjoe’s path to this point has not been without setbacks. He had initially filed his candidacy for the elections before they were deferred following the resignation of then-GBA President Abraham Neequaye and the subsequent dissolution of the board.
Rather than being discouraged by the delay, Bruce-Cudjoe maintains that the extended period has only reinforced his resolve and sharpened his vision for change he intends to implement.
Election at a Glance
Election date: June 2, 2025
Positions to be contested: President, two Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and four Executive Members
Formal handover of nominations scheduled for June 4
Voting governed by the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC)
Election window: May–June, per revised February arrangements
Source: Graphic Sports