Ghana’s longstanding contribution to African boxing has received further continental recognition following the appointment of Dr Eric Tetteh Ayertey to the Medical and Anti-Doping Committee of African Boxing, the continental governing body affiliated with World Boxing.

The appointment makes Dr Ayertey the first Ghanaian ever to serve on the committee, where he joins four other medical experts from across Africa entrusted with helping shape medical policy, athlete safety, anti-doping and medical excellence across the sport.

The appointment follows years of work in boxing medicine, sports and exercise medicine, athlete welfare and clean sport, both in Ghana and internationally.

Dr Ayertey, a Lecturer at the School of Sports and Exercise Medicine at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), also serves on the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (IMC) Medical and Anti-Doping Subcommittee, where he has contributed to efforts to strengthen medical and anti-doping governance within Ghanaian boxing.

His work has included strengthening pre-competition medical screening, ringside emergency preparedness, concussion recognition and management, athlete safeguarding, anti-doping education and evidence-based medical standards.

He has also contributed to the development of medical policies and operational frameworks aimed at aligning Ghana Boxing with contemporary international standards in athlete health and safety.

Beyond Ghana, Dr Ayertey is recognised as the only Ghanaian doctor currently holding internationally recognised Ringside Doctor certifications from both USA Boxing and the British International Boxing Association (BIBA), through the Association of Professional Boxing Commissions (APBC), reflecting specialised expertise in combat sports medicine.

His wider experience spans sports and exercise medicine, anti-doping, elite able-bodied and para-athlete healthcare, football medicine, boxing medicine and medical education. He has also contributed to international sporting events, including the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Ayertey described it as both an honour and a responsibility.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me by African Boxing. While this appointment is personally significant, I see it as recognition of Ghana’s growing contribution to sports medicine and athlete welfare. I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues across Africa to strengthen medical standards, promote clean sport, and enhance athlete safety for the continued growth of boxing on the continent.”

He expressed appreciation to the mentors, senior colleagues, institutions and sporting organisations whose support has contributed to his professional journey.

For Ghana, the appointment represents more than an individual achievement. It reflects the country’s growing investment in sports medicine, athlete welfare and clean sport, while providing Ghanaian expertise with a direct voice in shaping the medical, safety and anti-doping standards that will influence African boxing for years to come.

AM