The National Sports Authority (NSA) has a new acting Director-General after President John Dramani Mahama removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from office, weeks after allegations emerged over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the NSA. He is an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and now takes charge of the Authority at a time when questions remain over the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities and the ongoing police investigation into the visa allegations.
The controversy centres on claims that a visa facilitation arrangement connected to the 2026 World Cup generated more than US$600,000, with some applicants allegedly paying as much as US$8,000 for assistance with travel arrangements. These figures and the allegations surrounding the scheme have not been established as fact. The Minority in Parliament had called for Ampofo Ankrah to be suspended or removed while investigations continued.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has been investigating the matter, with reports that Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA officials were questioned. The NSA, however, has denied authorising any visa facilitation service or money-collection arrangement related to the World Cup. The Authority said its legal team was cooperating with the police investigation and that its officials were prepared to assist with any lawful probe.
The development follows President Mahama’s decision on September 2, 2026, to dissolve the governing board of the National Sports Authority with immediate effect. The Presidency said the affected boards, including that of the NSA, would be reconstituted in due course.
Ampofo Ankrah’s removal therefore marks another change at the top of the NSA as the government faces continued scrutiny over the Authority’s administration, sporting infrastructure and the unresolved allegations surrounding World Cup travel arrangements. The ongoing investigation will determine the facts of the visa-related claims.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Jones Adzi
