National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has reportedly been removed from office by President John Dramani Mahama following allegations linked to an alleged visa facilitation scheme surrounding Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah has strongly denied the allegations. Despite his denial, reports indicate that he has been directed to vacate his position as Director-General of the NSA.
In his place, Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been appointed as Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority.
Background to the NSA Leadership Change
The reported removal of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah comes amid ongoing Ghana Police Service investigations into allegations surrounding visa facilitation and the administration of Ghana’s sports facilities.
Pressure on the NSA leadership increased in September 2026 after the Minority in Parliament called for the suspension or removal of the Director-General over allegations that more than US$600,000 had been collected from individuals seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority further alleged that some individuals seeking assistance were charged amounts of up to US$8,000.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah and other officials of the National Sports Authority were reportedly questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service as part of investigations into the allegations.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigations, while Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has maintained his denial of any wrongdoing.
The development has placed renewed attention on sports administration in Ghana, National Sports Authority management, World Cup travel arrangements, visa facilitation and accountability in the country’s sports sector.
Source: newsthemegh.com