President John Dramani Mahama has removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed to act in the position.
Prof. Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), takes over the leadership of the NSA at a time the Authority is facing scrutiny over the management of sporting facilities and an ongoing police investigation into alleged visa facilitation arrangements linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The allegations centre on claims that a visa facilitation arrangement connected to the tournament generated more than US$600,000, with some applicants allegedly paying up to US$8,000 for assistance with travel arrangements.
However, the claims have not been established as fact, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is investigating the matter. Reports indicate that Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA officials were questioned as part of the probe.
The NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation service or money-collection arrangement related to the World Cup, saying its legal team is cooperating with the police investigation.
Ampofo Ankrah’s removal comes weeks after President Mahama dissolved the governing board of the NSA on September 2, 2026, alongside other government boards. The Presidency said the affected boards would be reconstituted in due course.
Prof. Osei Sarpong is therefore expected to lead the Authority as the investigation continues and the government comes under pressure to address concerns over sports administration and infrastructure.
The outcome of the ongoing police investigation is expected to establish the facts surrounding the visa-related allegations.
