Former Ghanaian professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, widely known as Ayitey Powers, has been arrested by the Accra Regional Police Command over an alleged death threat directed at National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
The 46-year-old former cruiserweight contender was taken into custody on Monday, August 24, following the circulation of a video on social media in which he is alleged to have made threatening remarks against the NSA chief.
Police Confirmation and Investigation
The Accra Regional Police Command confirmed the arrest in an official statement issued by its Head of Public Affairs, Chief Superintendent Juliana Obeng. The statement indicated that the arrest followed the viral video and that the suspect is currently cooperating with investigators as they establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The arrest follows a video circulating on social media in which the suspect is alleged to have issued the threat,” the police statement read.
The command has yet to disclose what may have triggered the alleged remarks or whether a prior dispute existed between the two men. Investigators are working to establish the authenticity of the video and to determine whether the comments constitute a criminal offence under Ghanaian law. Police have also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while investigations remain ongoing .
Background: Dispute Over Boxing Suspension
The arrest is understood to be linked to a longstanding dispute between Powers and the NSA following the temporary suspension of boxing activities in the country. The suspension was enforced in September 2025 after the tragic death of Ghanaian boxer Ernest Akushey, known as Bahubali, who passed away days after a professional fight .
Powers, who operates as a promoter under Ayitey Powers Promotions, claimed the suspension forced him to cancel a scheduled fight show at the eleventh hour, resulting in significant financial losses. He has repeatedly alleged that Ampofo Ankrah promised compensation for investments made towards the aborted event . This dispute, which had been publicly resolved in October 2025, appears to have reignited in recent months, with the former boxer taking to social media to demand justice.
Boxing Committee Response
The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) has condemned the alleged threat and backed the police action. In a statement dated August 20, the committee described the conduct as unacceptable and criminal, insisting that threats against a public official cannot be tolerated. The GBIMC also alleged that Powers has a history of online verbal abuse, including insults directed at its chairman, Samir Captan, and vice chairman, Professor Azumah Nelson .
“We are requesting the Ghana Police Service as a matter of urgency to investigate and appropriately prosecute Michael Nii Ayitey Okai,” the committee stated, adding that disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against the former boxer.
Ayitey Powers: A Storied Career
Powers, who turned professional in September 2000, enjoyed a 17-year career that saw him become one of Ghana’s most recognisable boxing figures. According to his professional record, he fought 48 bouts, winning 22 (18 by knockout) and losing 25 before retiring in 2017 . He was known for his flamboyant personality and notable rivalry with Bukom Banku.
Following his retirement, Powers transitioned into boxing promotion and currently serves as President of the Voice of Ghana Professional Boxers Association, championing the sport’s development . He also took on public speaking and preaching duties, though the recent controversy has put him in the spotlight for less favourable reasons.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah: NSA Leadership
Ampofo Ankrah, a seasoned sports journalist with global acclaim, was appointed Director-General of the NSA in March 2025 . Since assuming office, he has been vocal about his vision for transforming Ghanaian sports. In July 2026, he made headlines by challenging Ghana’s status as a football nation, arguing that the country’s decline is linked to years of poor infrastructure maintenance and the absence of a long-term sports development policy .
“Ghana was a football nation. But where we are now, we pretend that we are,” he stated, emphasising the need for sustained investment and grassroots development.
Current Status
Ayitey Powers remains in police custody while investigations continue. Authorities have not indicated whether he will be formally charged or when he is expected to appear before a court. Further action, the police said, will be taken depending on the outcome of the investigation and the legal assessment of the video’s content .
