Neequaye’s GBA exit  …What might have caused it?

 AN announcement from the communication team of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) informing stakeholders about the resignation of its president, Mr Abraham Kotei Neequaye has got fans thinking.

The resignation in itself is not a big issue.

Fact is, under the current circumstances, it may seem the best decision by Mr Neequaye who has supervised the most tumultuous boxing era in Ghana.

That is not to suggest that previous leaders of the association were saints; however, the level of acrimony under this administration is unprecedented.

Lucky to have witnessed the era of Mr Nii Quaye Mensah, Mr Moses Foh-Amoaning, Mr Samir Captan, Mr Peter Zwennes; one can confidently say the scene has never been that electric.

But what exists now is nothing short of a life in the boxing ring.

Wednesday’s announcement of an indication to resign yesterday (Friday, June 27) also got a few tongues wiggling with the timing.

Seeming to have brave the odds to such a crucial time that the association was preparing for its Elective Congress to put in place a new executive team; and Neequaye himself sounding confident of retaining his seat for another term, only to drop his guard last minute clearly suggests that there is more beyond what the eye can see.

Evidently, there is fire on the GBA’s corridors of power.

He has cited personal reasons for the decision but that has also sent journalists on a wild goose chase, finding anything available that is related to boxing to connect.

It has also left the Pandora’s Box opened with all manner of reasons flying around the media space.

A section of the media have tried to link the decision to findings and recommendation by a ministerial committee formed to probe the circumstances under which a Nigerian boxer died in Ghana during a fight sanctioned by the GBA.

Others are of the opinion that the embattled GBA boss was only trying to face the realities of the time.

This has come from a school of thought that he has realised he stands no chance in the impending election due to the bad blood between him and a huge number of stakeholders of the sport.

A few have managed to introduce some political theatrics into the Neequaye resignation drama, citing tensions between him and some party big wigs including the Minister of Sports and Recreation.

These are interesting times for the boxing fraternity.

But it’s amazing how time flies and how a lot of things can change with time.

Four or so years ago when Mr Peter Zwennes decided to step down as GBA boss, Neequaye was deemed the Messiah to take the sport to a new level.

He gained the support of these stakeholders who have become sworn enemies and was able to win against some heavyweights including a former promoter, Mr Henry Manly Spain.

The coaches, promoters, boxers, referees and other identifiable groups sang his praise but how all of these changed in less than a year remains a mystery.

Just after a year, key members of his executives confided in friends about contesting their president who they claimed to be going ‘out of order.’

Aside the verbal exchanges, other issues have gone to court for interpretation but all these moves are yet to restore peace and sanity in the GBA.

Stakeholders planning to shock Neequaye at the polls may be left stunned by the decision to bow out at the 11th round.

It is the hope of all that the next elected president can restore the peace and unity the GBA enjoyed and bring the stakeholders together.

But, however one looks at it, the history of the GBA would be incomplete without the strides of Neequaye whose tenure replicated the Foh-Amoaning’s Mortein Boxing League with what came to be known as the Imax Boxing League which also came with its own stories and challenges to promoters.

 By Andrew Nortey