By Issah Olegor
President John Dramani Mahama has removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), bringing his tenure at the state sports agency to an end amid growing scrutiny over his management style of the sporting organisation.
Ampofo Ankrah has been replaced by Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), who has been appointed Acting Director-General of the Authority.
Prof. Sarpong assumes responsibility for the NSA at a time when the Authority is facing heightened public and institutional attention over the condition and management of sports facilities across the country. Ampofo Ankrah name has allegedly popped up in visa racketeering for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Sarpong’s appointment also comes against the backdrop of an ongoing police investigation into allegations surrounding the visa facilitation scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NSA has denied authorising or participating in any scheme to collect money from members of the public in exchange for assistance with obtaining visas or travelling to the United States and Canada for the tournament.
The Authority has maintained that it did not establish, authorise or operate any office at a stadium for the collection of money or facilitation of visas. Its legal representatives have also indicated that the NSA is cooperating with the police investigation.
Ampofo Ankrah’s tenure ends
Ampofo Ankrah’s removal follows months of scrutiny surrounding his leadership of the NSA and the management of Ghana’s sporting infrastructure. His departure also comes less than a month after President Mahama dissolved the governing board of the National Sports Authority on September 2, 2026. Ampofo Ankrah was a member of the dissolved board but continued to oversee the Authority’s day-to-day operations after the board was dissolved.
The latest decision now formally brings his tenure as Director-General to an end and places the Authority under new leadership.
Visa allegations intensify pressure
Pressure on Ampofo Ankrah’s leadership increased in September following allegations involving the collection of more than US$600,000 from individuals who were allegedly seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The allegations prompted calls from the Minority in Parliament for his suspension or removal.
The NSA subsequently rejected claims that it had authorised any visa-related activities of that nature and sought to distinguish its collaboration with TRIBE FEST, a FIFA-licensed partner involved in fan-experience activities, World Cup viewing events and event mobilisation.
The Authority maintained that its collaboration with the organisation did not authorise anyone to collect money for the procurement of visas on behalf of the NSA. The police investigation into the allegations remains an important part of the circumstances surrounding the Authority at the time of the leadership change.
Prof. Sarpong takes charge
Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong now takes over as Acting Director-General with the responsibility of steering the NSA through a period of heightened scrutiny. His academic background in Physical Education and Sports comes as the Authority continues to face questions over the development, maintenance and management of Ghana’s sporting facilities.
The new acting Director-General will also inherit ongoing administrative and operational responsibilities, including the management of the country’s sports infrastructure and engagement with sporting federations and other stakeholders.
