The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has called for the immediate dismissal or suspension of the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, over alleged irregularities involving a visa facilitation arrangement connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority claims that Ampofo Ankrah and some officials of the National Sports Authority have been reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for questioning in connection with an arrangement that allegedly generated about US$600,000.
According to the Minority Caucus, the visa facilitation scheme was allegedly operated by a private company with the support of the NSA.
Speaking to journalists, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, called on the NSA Director-General to step aside while investigations into the matter continue.
The Minority alleges that some individuals were reportedly charged as much as US$8,000 for assistance with travel arrangements related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It further claimed that promotional materials advertising the service were displayed at NSA offices and around stadium facilities.
Assafuah said the reported amount of approximately US$600,000 generated through the arrangement was also a major concern for the Minority.
“We therefore call on the President to dismiss the Director-General of the National Sports Authority with immediate effect, or, at the very least, require him to step aside pending the conclusion of the investigation,” he said.
NSA Denies Authorising Visa Facilitation Arrangement
The National Sports Authority has denied authorising any visa facilitation or money collection arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NSA has also stated that it is prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation by the police or other relevant authorities.
The development has sparked renewed attention on sports administration in Ghana, particularly the management of arrangements involving Ghanaian supporters and officials travelling to major international sporting events.
Minority Questions Minister’s Staff Travel to USA
The Minority has also raised concerns over the travel of the driver and secretary of the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, to the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the Minority, the two individuals travelled to the United States in connection with the tournament but have allegedly not yet returned to Ghana.
The allegations and counterclaims come amid ongoing discussions about Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sports governance, travel arrangements and accountability within the National Sports Authority.
Further developments are expected as the police investigation and related inquiries continue.
Source: newsthemegh.com