GBF President demands fair judgingaafter Ankrah's controversial Commonwealth Games defeat
President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), Dauda Fuseni, has called on officials at the 2026 Commonwealth Games boxing tournament to ensure fair officiating following what he described as the controversial defeat of Ghanaian boxer Ebenezer Ankrah.
Speaking to journalists in Glasgow, Fuseni expressed disappointment over the judges' decision in Ankrah's men's 60kg bout against Scotland's Nicholas Devlin, insisting the Ghanaian had done enough to secure victory.
Ankrah lost the contest by a narrow 3-2 split decision despite an impressive display that many in the Ghana camp believed deserved the win.
"It is painful for the boxers when they perform very well and are clearly robbed," Fuseni said. "It affects the entire team, but we remain hopeful of bringing medals home for Ghana."
Veteran coach Dr. Ofori Asare also questioned the judging, admitting the decision had left him frustrated.
"It is sad because you work so hard to prepare the athletes, yet you don't know what will happen in the ring when decisions like this are made," he lamented.
Despite Ankrah's exit, Ghana's boxing team has recorded encouraging results in Glasgow.
Precious Akai Nettey booked his place in the men's 70kg quarter-finals after stopping Fiji's Elijah Qiokata in the second round of their Round of 16 contest. The victory leaves him just one win away from guaranteeing himself a medal.
Desmond Pappoe also progressed to the quarter-finals after edging Tonga's Josh Tonga by split decision in the men's 80kg division. Pappoe will now face Ghana-born Canadian boxer Joshua Ofori on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals and the medal zone.
Earlier in the competition, African Games champion Amadu Mohammed gave Ghana its first boxing victory by stopping his opponent from Kiribati in the opening round of their contest.
However, the Black Bombers endured a difficult start to the tournament after team captain Abdul Wahid Omar suffered a comprehensive 5-0 defeat to England's Patris Mughalzai in the men's 65kg Round of 32.
The loss ended Omar's bid for a third Commonwealth Games medal, having previously won medals at the 2014 Games in Glasgow and the 2022 edition in Birmingham.
Ghana's female boxers also exited the competition at the first hurdle. Nancy Bamfo lost 5-0 to Northern Ireland's Nicole Clyde in the women's 54kg division, Adelaide Djabatey was defeated by Fiji's Jasmine Daunakamakama in the women's 57kg category, while Ramatu Quaye suffered a 5-0 loss to Canada's Amber-Jane Wall in the women's 51kg Round of 16.
With several boxers still in contention, Team Ghana remains hopeful of securing medals before the boxing competition concludes.