Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama has directed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) with immediate effect, with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed to lead the institution in an acting capacity.
Prof. Sarpong is an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba.
The October 1, 2026, leadership change comes amid scrutiny of the Authority over an alleged World Cup visa facilitation scheme and concerns about the condition and management of national sporting facilities.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service is investigating the suspected visa scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority in Parliament, which had demanded Ampofo Ankrah’s removal, alleged that a private entity operating from NSA facilities collected more than $600,000 from prospective travelers, with some reportedly charged as much as $8,000 each. Those claims remain allegations under investigation.
The Authority has also faced criticism over deteriorating stadium infrastructure and difficulties meeting international requirements at Ghana’s major sporting venues.
The latest directive follows President Mahama’s dissolution of the NSA governing board on September 2, 2026. Ampofo Ankrah remained in office after that decision to oversee the institution’s daily operations.
Responding to the development, he urged calm and expressed respect for the President’s authority.
“The President is always right. There is no cause for alarm. Time will always tell. Let’s remain calm,” he stated.
Although some reports have described the action as a dismissal, Ampofo Ankrah said Sports Minister Kofi Adams communicated it to him as an administrative instruction to step aside to allow a transparent investigation without interference.
His account leaves a distinction between the reported termination of his appointment and his understanding that he has been asked to withdraw from duty pending investigations.
Prof. Sarpong takes over the Authority’s leadership as the investigation continues and the institution faces demands for greater accountability and improved management of sporting infrastructure.
Source: Omanghana
