Bukom Banku begs NSA boss to pardon Ayitey Powers after arrest over alleged death threat

Former Ghanaian boxer Braimah Isaac Kamoko also known as ‘Bukom Banku’ has appealed for leniency for fellow veteran boxer Michael Nii Ayitey Okai also known as ‘Ayitey Powers’ following his arrest over an alleged death threat against National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

READ ALSO: Ayitey Powers arrested over alleged death threat against NSA boss

Bukom Banku acknowledged that Powers' alleged comments were serious but appealed for consideration following the former boxer's arrest.

His intervention comes after Powers was arrested by the Accra Regional Police Command on August 24, 2026, following the circulation of a social media video in which he was allegedly heard threatening the life of Ampofo Ankrah. The police said Powers was arrested to assist with investigations into the alleged threat.

The case has progressed beyond the initial police investigation. Ayitey Powers was arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court and charged with threat of death. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded for one week, with the case adjourned to September 2, 2026.

READ ALSO: 2026 Democracy Cup: Date, venue and all you need to know

According to the prosecution, Powers allegedly made the threat in a video posted on social media. The prosecution told the court that the video subsequently went viral and that Powers admitted making the statement in his caution statement, explaining that he had made the comments out of anger.

Ampofo Ankrah, meanwhile, indicated that he had initially told the police that he did not want the matter to become a court case because he did not want Powers imprisoned because of him.

READ ALSO: George Afriyie backs Andre Ayew for GFA presidency, rejects Kurt Okraku’s third-term bid

The dispute follows tensions between Powers and authorities in Ghana's boxing administration. Before his arrest, the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) had called on the police to investigate Powers over the alleged threats and described the reported comments as unacceptable. 

The disagreement is linked in part to Powers' complaints over financial losses he says he suffered after a boxing event was cancelled following the death of boxer Ernest “Bahubali” Akushey.