President Mahama Removes NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah Amid $600,000 World Cup Visa Scandal

President John Dramani Mahama has removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from his position as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) following a growing scandal involving an alleged visa facilitation scheme for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision, communicated via a letter on October 1, 2026, comes as security agencies investigate claims that over $600,000 was collected from individuals seeking travel assistance to the tournament. In the interim, President Mahama has appointed Associate Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, a seasoned expert in sports science and physical education, as the Acting Director-General to lead the authority during this period of transition.

The controversy centers on allegations that an unauthorized scheme was operated under the guise of the NSA, where prospective travelers were reportedly charged as much as $8,000 each for visa and administrative assistance. Investigations conducted by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) suggest that the total amount collected from applicants reached approximately $623,000. While the NSA has officially denied authorizing such services or collecting funds for travel, the Parliamentary Minority had intensified calls for Ankrah’s dismissal, citing a gross breach of public trust and institutional mismanagement.

Breaking his silence following the announcement, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah expressed deep disappointment, stating that he was not afforded a fair opportunity to explain his side of the matter. Despite the suspension, he maintained a calm demeanor and noted that his primary focus had been the urgent renovation and preparation of the Accra Sports Stadium for upcoming Black Stars fixtures. His legal counsel, Jerry Avenorgbor, has further labeled the allegations as false, asserting that the investigation—which he specifies is being handled by the Economic Crime Unit—will eventually clear his client’s name of any criminal involvement.

This leadership overhaul follows a period of heightened scrutiny over the management of Ghana’s sports infrastructure and governance. On September 2, 2026, President Mahama dissolved the NSA’s governing board as part of a broader effort to reform the sector after public outcry regarding the deteriorating condition of major national venues. As the investigation into the visa scandal continues, the government has signaled plans to reconstitute the board and implement stricter accountability measures to restore the integrity of the National Sports Authority and improve the state of sports administration in the country.