The one week former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as Ayitey Powers, spent in police custody has proven to be a life-changing experience that has reshaped his perspective on life, discipline and the power of words in the digital age .
Ayitey Powers, who was arrested and remanded for one week by the Dansoman Circuit Court over an alleged death threat against National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has expressed profound gratitude to all who played a role in securing his release and ensuring the matter was resolved amicably.
The 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on August 24, 2026, following the circulation of a video on social media in which he was alleged to have threatened to “shoot” the NSA boss with a gun . The development came after months of simmering frustration over the cancellation of his boxing promotion, “Judgement Day,” which had been scheduled for September 27, 2025, but was suspended following the death of boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey .
The roots of the dispute
The dispute between Ayitey Powers and the NSA boss traces back to September 2025 when the NSA, through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, imposed an immediate suspension on all professional boxing activities in Ghana . The decision followed the death of Akushey at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on September 23, 2025, just 11 days after suffering an eighth-round technical knockout defeat at the Bukom Boxing Arena .
The suspension dealt a severe financial blow to Ayitey Powers Promotions, which had invested heavily in the “Judgement Day” bill that was expected to feature former IBO World Lightweight champion Emmanuel Tagoe alongside a highly anticipated bout between Africanus Neequaye and Daniel Quaye .
According to Ayitey Powers’ account, he had received assurances from authorities that his event would be the first to be approved once the ban was lifted . However, when other promoters including Dzata Promotions in Tarkwa, Legacy Rise Sports Promotions at Legon, and Bishop Promotions at the Bukom Boxing Arena secured approval for their events, his remained on hold, fueling his frustration .
The viral video and arrest
In a moment of anger, Ayitey Powers took to social media and made comments that would have severe consequences . The video quickly went viral, spreading across Europe and other parts of the world within hours . Realizing the gravity of his actions, the former boxer took down the post almost immediately, but it was already too late, as the content had been widely shared and circulated.
Security and legal experts advised Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to make a formal complaint to the police to ensure his safety and for record purposes . The NSA Director-General subsequently lodged a complaint, leading to the police’s involvement and the former boxer’s subsequent arrest .
The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC), chaired by Samir Captan, condemned the alleged conduct and called for his arrest and prosecution . In a statement issued on August 20, the committee described the alleged threat as “unacceptable and criminal” and requested the Police Service to act as a matter of urgency .
A remarkable turn of events
What began as a distressing legal ordeal soon took an unexpected turn as various stakeholders, including boxing stakeholders, retired boxers, community leaders, party foot soldiers, and boxing enthusiasts, came forward to plead on his behalf .
Key figures including Moses Foh-Amoaning, Alex Nartey, and Sharaf Mahama, along with NPP executives and party leaders, all intervened to mediate the situation . Their efforts, combined with a genuine remorse from Ayitey Powers, paved the way for a resolution.
Following the intervention of these stakeholders, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah decided to withdraw his interest in the case, formally writing to indicate he had no further interest in pursuing the matter . Ayitey Powers subsequently came to apologize again, and the parties reached a settlement.
The former boxer, now reflecting on his time in custody, has been full of gratitude. He extended his appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, media personality Kevin Taylor, and importantly, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah for their roles in ensuring the matter was resolved.
A new chapter for Ghana boxing
The resolution of the case has brought a sense of relief to the boxing fraternity, particularly as the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee works to streamline operations and restore discipline in the boxing ecosystem .
The GBIMC, which was inaugurated on September 29, 2025, is tasked with overseeing all professional boxing activities and spearheading critical reforms, including the implementation of comprehensive medical protocols and the establishment of a medical commission . The committee has also been working to facilitate the transition from amateur to professional boxing and attract investment to boost Ghana’s competitiveness .
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, in his capacity as NSA Director-General, has advised Ayitey Powers to meet with the new boxing president once elected to discuss the way forward . The NSA boss has also expressed his support for streamlining the boxing ecosystem and enhancing discipline in the sport.
A lesson for all
The ordeal has served as a powerful reminder that the law applies equally to all, regardless of one’s status or stature in society. According to sources close to the matter, Ayitey Powers has come out of the experience as a changed man, expressing his commitment to becoming an ambassador for peace rather than resorting to verbal abuse on social media or other platforms.
“A week in a prison cell has changed my life,” Ayitey Powers is said to have reflected, acknowledging that his actions were driven by anger and frustration over the financial losses he suffered. The former boxer, who claims he lost close to $100,000 when his promotion was canceled, has pledged to channel his energies positively and support the boxing ecosystem going forward .
The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ayitey Powers, which could have consequences for him beyond the police investigation . However, with the case resolved amicably and the parties reconciled, stakeholders are hopeful that the boxing fraternity can now focus on more pressing matters, including the upcoming elections for a new Ghana Boxing Authority board .
Ayitey Powers’ journey from anger and regret to reconciliation serves as a cautionary tale for sportsmen and stakeholders alike, reminding all of the power of words in the age of social media and the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.
