Bukom Boxing Arena Explained

Bukom Boxing Arena
Location:Accra, Ghana
Opened:2016
Capacity:4000

Bukom Boxing Arena is the first boxing arena to be built in Ghana. The multipurpose facility was commissioned by John Dramani Mahama in November 2016 and has a seating capacity of 4000. Other facilities in the open-air edifice include a sports hall, Aerobic centre, Olympic size swimming pool and conference hall. The arena was constructed in Bukom due to the numerous world boxing champions the community has produced.[1] [2] [3] Apart from boxing, the arena hosts basketball tournaments. The arena is adorned with the names of Ghanaian world boxing champions and otherwise famous Ghanaian boxers, such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, D.K. Poison and others.

The boxing competitions of the 2023 African Games were held at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

Funding

The arena was funded by Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in partnership with a Polish company, ETC Group Polska in their joint venture company Trust Sports Emporium Limited.[4] [5]

Crime scene

In October 2018 the arena was declared a crime scene after fans reacted violently to referee Adorn Bertin's decision to end a bout between Isaac Sackey and Wasiru Mohammed. Bertin called a halt to the contest after defending WBO Africa super-bantamweight champion Sackey was knocked down by Mohammed in the third round. Although Sackey was able to return to his feet, Bertin waved off the fight, awarding Mohammed the WBO title via knockout.[6]

References

  1. Web site: President Mahama commissions Trust Sports Emporium in Bukom [Photos]]. 2016-11-16. Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always. en-US. 2020-05-15.
  2. Web site: Bukom boxing arena brings new hope to young boxers. 2016-11-15. GhanaPoliticsOnline. en-US. 2020-05-15.
  3. Akyeampong. Emmanuel. 2002. Bukom and the Social History of Boxing in Accra: Warfare and Citizenship in Precolonial Ga Society. The International Journal of African Historical Studies. 35. 1. 39–60. 10.2307/3097365. 3097365. 0361-7882.
  4. Web site: PHOTOS: President Mahama Inaugurates New Boxing Arena At Bukom. 2016-11-16. GhanaCelebrities.Com. en-US. 2020-05-15.
  5. Web site: President Mahama commissions 4,000 seater edifice. 2016-11-15. Pulse Gh. en-US. 2020-05-15.
  6. Web site: Bukom Arena declared crime scene. 17 October 2018. Watch Ghana. en-us. 15 May 2020.