The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed the successful repatriation of the body of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who tragically passed away in Ghana in March this year.

The remains were airlifted from the Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, June 17, and are en route to Lagos, Nigeria, with a scheduled stopover in Lomé, Togo.

In a statement issued by its Communications Directorate, the GBA expressed profound appreciation to Ghanaians, the boxing community, journalists, and media outlets for their unwavering support and solidarity since the incident.

Full statement here:

The GBA can authoritatively announce that the body of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has been airlifted a couple of minutes ago en route to Lagos-Nigeria.

The cargo flight is scheduled to make a stopover in Lome before continuing its journey to Lagos.

Ghana Boxing Authority(GBA) is most grateful to Ghanaians, journalists, and media outlets, especially members of the boxing fraternity, for the immeasurable support.

We shall keep you posted when the body finally arrives at the final destination, as well as the scheduled interment process.

As part of preparations for the final rites in Lagos, the GBA has dispatched two representatives — Gideon Hassen Appiah, a member of the GBA Board, and Lateykwei Lartey, Head Coach of Fit Square Boxing Gym — who travelled ahead of the body’s arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye disclosed that the Authority has presented $3,000 to its representatives in Nigeria.

This comprises a $1,500 purse from Gordon Frimpong, CEO of Osibor Boxing Management, and a $1,500 donation from the GBA itself.

The funds are to be handed over to the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) to support the late boxer’s family.

The GBA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strong ties with the Nigerian boxing fraternity and pledged to honour the memory of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju with dignity.

From Sammy Heywood Okine