Yaw Ampofo Ankrah Suspended as NSA Director-General Amid World Cup Visa Controversy

Accra, Ghana — October 2, 2026

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is no longer serving as Director-General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA), following a government decision that comes as an investigation continues into allegations surrounding an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reports on October 1 said President John Dramani Mahama had asked Ampofo Ankrah to step aside. The Ghana News Agency subsequently reported that he had been relieved of his duties, while MyJoyOnline described the decision as a suspension.

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.

Visa allegations trigger investigation

The leadership change comes against the backdrop of allegations concerning payments reportedly collected from people seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to reports, the amount involved was approximately US$623,000, while some prospective travellers were allegedly charged as much as US$8,000.

The allegations prompted an investigation by Ghanaian law-enforcement authorities, with Ampofo Ankrah and others connected to the matter reportedly questioned by investigators. Ampofo Ankrah has denied the allegations.

The allegations remain allegations and have not, by themselves, established criminal wrongdoing.

NSA denies authorising visa operation

The National Sports Authority has rejected suggestions that it officially operated or authorised a visa facilitation service for people travelling to the World Cup.

In a statement reported by the Ghana News Agency, the NSA said its legal team was cooperating with the police investigation and maintained that the authority had not authorised the collection of money for visa-related services.

The authority’s position is significant because one of the central questions in the investigation is whether any official NSA structure or personnel authorised or participated in the alleged arrangement.

Ampofo Ankrah maintains his position

Ampofo Ankrah has previously denied knowledge of an arrangement involving the collection of money from prospective World Cup travellers.

Following his removal, he also spoke publicly about the decision, saying he was disappointed that he had not been given an opportunity to fully explain his side of the matter.

His lawyer has separately disputed reports that the case is being handled by the Bureau of National Investigations, saying the matter is being investigated by the Economic Crime Unit at Ghana Police Service Headquarters.

New leadership takes over

Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong now assumes the acting leadership of the NSA as the authority faces questions over its administration and the handling of the visa-related allegations.

The change also follows President Mahama’s earlier decision in September to dissolve the NSA’s governing board. GNA reported that a new board is expected to be constituted.

For the moment, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and the questions surrounding the alleged payments, who received them, what services were promised, and whether any public institution or officials were involved.

The investigation will ultimately have to establish the facts behind the allegations.