In this study, GaN powders were synthesized from gallium oxide-hydroxide (GaOOH) through an ammonification process in an $NH_3$ flow with the variation of $B_2O_3$ additives within a temperature range of $300-1050^{circ}C$. The additive effect of $B_2O_3$ on the hexagonal phase GaN powder synthesis route was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transformation infrared transmission (FTIR) spectroscopy. With increasing the mol% of $B_2O_3$ additive in the GaOOH precursor powder, the transition temperature and the activation energy for GaN powder formation increased while the GaN synthesis limit-time ($t_c$) shortened. The XPS results showed that Boron compounds of $B_2O_3$ and BN coexisted in the synthesized GaN powders. From the FTIR spectra, we were able to confirm that the GaN powder consisted of an amorphous or cubic phase $B_2O_3$ due to bond formation between B and O and the amorphous phase BN due to B-N bonds. The GaN powder synthesized from GaOOH and $B_2O_3$ mixed powder by an ammonification route through ${eta}-Ga_2O_3$ intermediate state. During the ammonification process, boron compounds of $B_2O_3$ and BN coated ${eta}-Ga_2O_3$ and GaN particles limited further nitridation processes.