The Ministry of Youth and Sports led by Isaac Kwame Asiamah has sent words of commiseration to the family of former world boxing champion Alfred Kotey.

The Sports Ministry has described as ‘sad and unfortunate’ news of the passing of the Ghanaian boxing great.

In a Press Release copied to www.ghanaweb.com, the Sports Ministry said “it has learnt shock and grief the demise of Alfred Kotey, a former member of the national boxing team. The Ministry on behalf of Government and the sporting fraternity, expresses its deep regret at his demise.”

The Sports Ministry also eulogized the exploits of Kotey and the attention and recognition his efforts brought the country.

“He paid his dues in uplifting the image of the nation among the comity of sports nations. He will be greatly missed.”

Alfred Kotey’s demise occurred on Tuesday, June 30 in the United States.

Unconfirmed reports indicate Ghana’s fifth world title winner had been unwell for some months now and was on life support until his death.

The spokesperson of the GBA, Sammy Heywood Okine in a recent interview say his outfit was saddened by the development.

He described him as a well-mannered boxer who at his peak shied away from controversy.

“The whole GBA is very said that death has laid its icy hands Alfred Kotey. Our president said he is the first of our world title winners to die and that’s a huge disappointment.

I knew him personally and he was a cool guy who did not like trouble”, he said.

The President of the GBA said “Sad news indeed. The very first of all our world champions to pass on. Alfred rest in peace”

Yoofi Boham Yoofi a boxing consultant who confirmed his death said, “It’s true as the doctor invited Coach Kwame Asante to come over. He was on life support and had already been declared brain dead. This morning, Wonder Tackie told me that the life support has been removed”.

Kotey is the first Ghanaian to win a WBO world title, a feat he achieved in 1994 against Rafael Del Valle of Puerto Rico.

WBO has also in a tweet paid tribute to the boxer who was widely known as Cobra. Prior to becoming a professional fighter, Kotey competed at the 1988 Olympic Games.