President John Dramani Mahama has removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from his position as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), ending his tenure at the state sports agency amid growing scrutiny over sports infrastructure management and an ongoing police investigation into an alleged visa facilitation scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Editorial Standards
Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been appointed Acting Director-General to oversee the Authority’s operations following the development.
The leadership change comes at a critical time for the NSA, which is responsible for managing and maintaining public sports facilities and supporting the development of sports across the country.
The circumstances surrounding Mr. Ankrah’s departure have drawn attention because of the controversies facing the Authority in recent weeks. However, the allegations under investigation should not be treated as established wrongdoing, and the NSA has denied authorizing the disputed visa arrangement.
World Cup Visa Allegations Draw Scrutiny
One of the major issues surrounding the NSA leadership has been an alleged visa facilitation arrangement connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In September, the Minority in Parliament called for Mr. Ankrah’s suspension or dismissal, citing allegations that more than US$600,000 had been collected from individuals seeking assistance with visa applications and travel arrangements associated with the tournament.
Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, said some applicants were allegedly charged as much as US$8,000 for the service. The Minority called for an investigation and argued that Mr. Ankrah should step aside while the matter was being examined.
The allegations prompted a police investigation, with reports indicating that Mr. Ankrah and other NSA officials were questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Corrections Policy
The NSA, however, denied authorizing any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme linked to the tournament. In a statement reported by the Ghana News Agency on September 18, the Authority said its legal team was cooperating with the police investigation.
The investigation remains an important part of the broader controversy, but the allegations alone do not establish criminal liability on the part of Mr. Ankrah or other officials.
NSA Board Dissolved in September
The latest leadership change follows President Mahama’s decision on September 2, 2026, to dissolve the governing board of the National Sports Authority with immediate effect.
The board, chaired by Dr. Fred Awaah, was among several governing boards dissolved as part of the government’s administrative decisions. Mr. Ankrah had served as a member of the NSA board while also overseeing the Authority’s day-to-day operations.
His continued leadership after the board’s dissolution meant that the latest decision represents a further change in the administration of the sports agency.
The appointment of Professor Osei Sarpong provides the Authority with an acting head while attention remains focused on its operations, governance and responsibilities.
Sports Infrastructure Remains a Major Concern
The NSA has also faced scrutiny over the condition and maintenance of Ghana’s major sporting facilities, including the Accra Sports Stadium and the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The condition of these facilities has raised concerns about their readiness to host major sporting events and the need for effective maintenance planning.
Sports infrastructure is important not only for international competitions but also for domestic leagues, school sports and other sporting activities.
The new acting Director-General will therefore take charge of an institution facing expectations to improve facility management, strengthen administration and ensure that public sports infrastructure remains suitable for use. Newscard
Addressing these concerns will require effective maintenance systems, careful use of public resources and coordination with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and other relevant stakeholders.
Professor Osei Sarpong Takes Over
Professor Osei Sarpong brings an academic background in physical education and sports to the acting position. He previously served on the NSA’s governing board before its dissolution in September.
His appointment comes as the Authority faces questions about accountability, the management of public facilities and the outcome of the ongoing police investigation. Privacy Policy & Terms
The immediate priorities for the new leadership will include maintaining the Authority’s day-to-day operations and addressing the administrative and infrastructure concerns confronting the institution.
For Ghana’s sporting community, the leadership transition presents another opportunity to focus attention on the effective management of public sports facilities and the transparent administration of the national sports system.
As the police investigation proceeds, further official information will be important in establishing the facts surrounding the visa allegations.
Meanwhile, the NSA will be expected to continue its work while responding to public concerns about governance, infrastructure and the use of public resources.