Forgive Ayitey Powers — Bukom Banku begs Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

Former Ghanaian boxer Braimah Kamoko, popularly known as Bukom Banku, has appealed to the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, to forgive fellow former boxer Michael Nii Ayitey Okai, popularly known as Ayitey Powers, following his arrest and remand over an alleged death threat.

Bukom Banku's appeal comes after Ayitey Powers was arrested by the Accra Regional Police Command on August 24, 2026, following the circulation of a social media video in which he was allegedly heard threatening to shoot and kill Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

The Dansoman Circuit Court subsequently remanded Ayitey Powers for one week. He has been charged with threat of death, pleaded not guilty and is expected to reappear before the court on September 2, 2026.

According to the prosecution, police intercepted the video on August 18, after which the NSA Director-General lodged a complaint. Ayitey Powers was subsequently arrested over public safety and security concerns. The prosecution further told the court that the former boxer admitted making the statement in his caution statement but explained that he made the comments out of anger.

The incident is linked to a long-running disagreement between Ayitey Powers and authorities over the cancellation of a boxing event he was promoting. Reports indicate that Powers had claimed significant financial losses after boxing activities were suspended ahead of his planned event, leading to a series of public exchanges between him and Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) had earlier condemned the alleged threat and called for Ayitey Powers to be investigated and prosecuted. The committee also announced disciplinary proceedings against him.

However, Bukom Banku is now appealing for forgiveness and appears to be seeking reconciliation between the two men.

His intervention comes after Ayitey Powers himself reportedly apologised to Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, describing the alleged threat as something said in anger and appealing for forgiveness.

Bukom Banku and Ayitey Powers have a long history in Ghanaian boxing, including their highly publicised rivalry, making the former champion's intervention particularly significant as the latest dispute unfolds.