President John Dramani Mahama has removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), with the decision taking effect on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
His removal comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding allegations of a visa facilitation scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and growing concerns about the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has been investigating allegations involving the collection of money from individuals seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the World Cup.
The controversy prompted the Minority in Parliament to call for Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension or removal while investigations were conducted.
The NSA has, however, denied authorising any fraudulent visa arrangements or the collection of money for visa procurement.
The Authority has maintained that it did not establish or authorise any office at a stadium for the collection of funds or the facilitation of visas for prospective World Cup travellers.
It has also stated that its legal team is cooperating with the police investigation and that the outcome of the process should establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s removal also follows concerns over the condition and management of major sporting facilities across the country.
The state of some of the facilities, including major stadia, had attracted public criticism and increased scrutiny of the NSA’s administration.
On September 2, President Mahama dissolved the governing board of the NSA as part of measures to address concerns surrounding the management of the Authority and the country’s sporting infrastructure.
Following the latest change, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong is expected to take over as Acting Director-General of the NSA.
Professor Sarpong is an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Education, Winneba, and has experience in sports development and administration.
His expected appointment comes as the NSA prepares to operate under new leadership while the police investigation into the World Cup visa allegations continues.
