Omanghana
Former professional boxer Michael Nii Ayitey Okai, popularly known as Ayitey Powers, has been arrested over an alleged death threat directed at the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
The Accra Regional Police Command confirmed the arrest on Monday, August 24, 2026, following the circulation of a video on social media in which the 46-year-old former boxer allegedly threatened the NSA Director-General’s life.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, Chief Superintendent Juliana Obeng, police said Ayitey Powers was in custody and assisting with investigations.
Investigators are expected to examine the full recording, establish the circumstances in which the alleged remarks were made and determine whether any offence was committed.
Police may also interview the complainant, witnesses and other individuals connected to the disagreement before deciding on the appropriate legal action.
The security service urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while the investigation continues.
The arrest follows an escalating disagreement over the organisation and approval of professional boxing events in Accra.
Ayitey Powers, who has moved into boxing promotion since stepping away from active competition, had publicly complained about delays and restrictions affecting his planned events.
The former boxer accused sports authorities and interim boxing management bodies of unfairly preventing him from securing the necessary clearances to stage promotional fight cards.
His concerns reportedly included access to venues such as the Bukom Boxing Arena, one of Ghana’s leading boxing facilities.
Powers claimed that his events had been stalled while competing promoters were permitted to organise bouts. He described the situation as discriminatory and damaging to his investment in the sport.
The dispute developed against the background of previous suspensions and regulatory interventions affecting boxing activities in Ghana. Authorities introduced additional controls following safety concerns and administrative disagreements within the sport.
Promoters are generally expected to obtain approval from the relevant boxing regulatory body, satisfy medical and safety requirements and secure clearance for venues before organising professional bouts.
Ayitey Powers maintained that the regulatory process had been applied unfairly in his case. However, the disagreement attracted police attention after the viral video allegedly included comments interpreted as threats against Ampofo Ankrah.
The allegations have not yet been proven in court. Ayitey Powers remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless he is formally charged and convicted by a competent court.
A disagreement over promotional approvals does not legally justify threats, and police are expected to determine whether the statements in the video crossed the threshold for criminal prosecution.
The controversy has renewed concerns about tensions within Ghana’s professional boxing industry, particularly the relationship between promoters, venue managers and regulatory authorities.
Stakeholders have called for transparent and consistent procedures for approving boxing events to prevent allegations of favouritism and reduce conflicts among promoters.
They have also urged individuals involved in the sport to resolve disputes through official administrative and legal channels rather than hostile public confrontations.
The police investigation remains ongoing, and further information is expected after officers complete their preliminary inquiries and determine the next legal steps.
Source: Omanghana
