Stories and facts
The Bukom Boxing Arena, Ghana's first-ever dedicated boxing arena, stands as a monumental achievement in the country's sports infrastructure.
Commissioned in November 2016 by then-President John Dramani Mahama, the multipurpose facility boasts a seating capacity of 4,000 and serves as a hub for various sports and recreational activities.
This open-air edifice includes a sports hall, an aerobics center, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a conference hall, making it a versatile venue for numerous events. Its location in Bukom, a community renowned for producing world-class boxing champions, underscores its significance to the nation’s boxing heritage.
The arena is adorned with the names of legendary Ghanaian boxers, including Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, and D.K. Poison, celebrating the country’s illustrious boxing history.
In addition to hosting boxing matches, the arena has been a venue for basketball tournaments and other sporting events, further broadening its appeal.
Notably, the boxing competitions of the 2023 African Games were held at the Bukom Boxing Arena, solidifying its reputation as a premier sports venue in the region.
The arena was financed through a collaboration between Ghana's Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and a Polish company, ETC Group Polska, under their joint venture, Trust Sports Emporium Limited. This partnership enabled the construction of a state-of-the-art facility that has become a cornerstone of Ghanaian sports.
However, the arena has also witnessed moments of controversy. In October 2018, it became the center of a crime scene after a boxing match ended in chaos.
The incident occurred when referee Adorn Bertin stopped a bout between Isaac Sackey and Wasiru Mohammed in the third round, awarding Mohammed the WBO Africa super-bantamweight title via knockout.
Sackey, who had returned to his feet after being knocked down, appeared to protest the decision, leading to violent reactions from fans. This incident highlighted the intensity and passion associated with boxing in Ghana.
The Bukom Boxing Arena reflects Ghana's deep-rooted love for sports, particularly boxing, and continues to shine as a symbol of athletic excellence and community pride.
