By Issah Olegor
The Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) has commenced investigations into the dismissed Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over allegations surrounding a visa facilitation arrangement linked to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The investigation centres on claims that more than US$623,000, was collected from prospective travellers who were seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament. The allegations have not been established as fact, and investigations are ongoing.
The Minority in Parliament has alleged that some individuals seeking assistance under the arrangement were charged as much as US$8,000. Ampofo Ankrah and other NSA officials have reportedly been questioned by security authorities as investigators seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged payments.
The development comes on the same day that Ampofo Ankrah was removed from office as NSA Director-General, with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), appointed Acting Director-General.
The leadership change and the BNI investigation are separate developments. The investigation into the alleged visa arrangement continues despite the change in leadership at the Authority.
NSA denies authorising visa scheme
The NSA has consistently denied authorising any arrangement to collect money from members of the public in exchange for assistance with obtaining visas for the World Cup.The Authority has also sought to clarify its relationship with TRIBE FEST, a FIFA-licensed partner involved in fan-experience activities, World Cup viewing events and mobilisation.
According to the NSA, its collaboration with TRIBE FEST did not authorise the organisation, NSA officials or any other person to collect money for visa procurement on behalf of the Authority. The NSA has said its legal team is cooperating with the investigations and that relevant officials would make themselves available to investigators when required.
Petition triggered investigation
The allegations followed a petition reportedly submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on September 8. The petition alleged that individuals connected to the NSA had received money from prospective travellers on the understanding that their visa and travel arrangements for the World Cup would be facilitated.
Ampofo Ankrah subsequently appeared before the CID and denied the allegations against him.
The matter has since attracted further scrutiny, with the BNI now investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged financial transactions.
Leadership change at NSA
The investigation comes as the government has announced the leadership change at the National Sports Authority.
Ampofo Ankrah’s tenure at the Authority has ended, while Prof. Sarpong has been tasked with overseeing its administration in an acting capacity.
Sarpong previously served on the NSA Governing Board before President John Dramani Mahama dissolved the board on September 2, 2026. He also served as chairman of the board’s Technical Committee.
His appointment comes at a time when the NSA is facing scrutiny not only over the visa allegations but also over the management and maintenance of Ghana’s sporting infrastructure.
The Authority has recently faced questions surrounding major sports facilities, including the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Investigation continues
For now, the allegations against Ampofo Ankrah remain the subject of investigation, and no finding of criminal liability has been established against him or any other person.The BNI probe will therefore focus on establishing whether money was collected, who was involved, the purpose of any payments and whether any wrongdoing occurred.
Meanwhile, Prof. Sarpong assumes responsibility for the NSA as the government begins the process of determining the Authority’s longer-term leadership structure.
