Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as Ayitey Powers, was arrested by the Accra Regional Police Command on Monday 24th August 2026 and remanded in police custody for one week by the Dansoman Circuit Court on Tuesday 25th August 2026. He faces a charge of threat of death against Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director-General of the National Sports Authority, and is due back in court on 2nd September 2026.
The case rests on a social media video intercepted by the Greater Accra Regional Police Command on 18th August 2026. Prosecution told the court that Ayitey Powers, a former professional boxer, said in the video: “You, Yaw Ampofo, I will shoot you with a gun.” The video went viral. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah lodged a complaint. Police arrested the former boxer on public safety and security grounds. In his caution statement, Ayitey Powers admitted making the remarks but said he spoke out of anger.
He pleaded not guilty. The court ordered one-week remand while investigations continue. As of 29th August 2026 he remains in police custody.
How the feud reached this point
The alleged threat sits inside a longer dispute. In September 2025 the National Sports Authority and Ministry of Sports and Recreation suspended all professional boxing activities after the death of super-middleweight boxer Ernest Akushey, known as Bahubali. Akushey died at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on 23rd September 2025, eleven days after a technical knockout loss. The suspension was announced on 26th September, the eve of Ayitey Powers Promotions’ planned “Judgement Day” card at Bukom Boxing Arena.
Ayitey Powers has publicly claimed the late cancellation cost him nearly $100,000 in investments. He has accused the NSA of failing to give adequate notice and of later approving other promotions while his was sidelined. The two men traded public statements for months. In May 2026 they appeared together in what was described as a peace-building gesture. The tension later resurfaced.
The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee, chaired by Samir Captan, issued a statement on 20th August 2026 condemning the alleged threat as unacceptable and criminal. The committee called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate and prosecute, and opened its own disciplinary proceedings against Ayitey Powers. The GBIMC said Ghana boxing should not be held hostage by intimidation or impunity.
Before his arrest Ayitey Powers issued a public apology. He described the remarks as a slip of the tongue made in anger and stated he had no intention or means to carry out any violence. On 28th August 2026 fellow former boxer Braimah Kamoko, known as Bukom Banku, publicly appealed to Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to forgive Ayitey Powers. Bukom Banku’s intervention carries weight given the long, sometimes bitter history between the two fighters.
Ayitey Powers is scheduled to reappear at the Dansoman Circuit Court on 2nd September 2026. The prosecution will continue its case. The Accra Regional Police Command has urged the public to avoid circulating unverified information while investigations remain open. Separate disciplinary action by the GBIMC continues and could affect his standing in Ghanaian boxing regardless of the criminal outcome.
Ayitey Powers, born in Mamprobi and now in his mid-40s, fought professionally from 2000 to 2017 with a record of 22 wins, 25 losses and one draw. He later moved into promotion under Ayitey Powers Promotions and has served as president of the Voice of Ghana Professional Boxers Association. His outspoken style and past rivalry with Bukom Banku have kept him in the public eye long after he left the ring.
The case highlights ongoing friction between promoters and sports authorities over regulation, safety protocols and financial risk in Ghanaian boxing. The 2025 suspension was introduced to address safety concerns after a fighter’s death. Promoters who had already invested heavily in events bore immediate losses. How the NSA and the Interim Management Committee handle compensation claims and future approvals will shape the sport’s recovery.
What exactly is Ayitey Powers charged with?
Threat of death. He pleaded not guilty at the Dansoman Circuit Court on 25th August 2026.
When is the next court date?
2nd September 2026.
Did he apologise?
Yes. Before arrest he publicly said the comments were made in anger, called them a slip of the tongue, and stated he had no intention or means to use violence.
What triggered the original dispute?
The NSA suspension of professional boxing in late September 2025 after Ernest Akushey’s death. Ayitey Powers says his scheduled event was cancelled at the last minute, causing claimed losses near $100,000.
Has anyone from the boxing community spoken up?
Yes. The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee condemned the alleged threat and called for prosecution. Bukom Banku has appealed for forgiveness.
Is Ayitey Powers still in custody as of 29th August 2026?
Yes. He was remanded for one week and remains in police custody pending the 2nd September appearance.
The criminal process will now determine whether the statements in the video amount to the offence charged. Parallel disciplinary proceedings by the boxing authorities will decide any internal consequences. Both tracks remain active.