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

President John Mahama has terminated the appointment of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA). The decision follows an escalating controversy surrounding an alleged visa facilitation scheme for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which has prompted a criminal investigation. Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an expert in sports science and physical education with over two decades of experience, has been appointed as the Acting Director-General to lead the authority during this transition.

The scandal centers on claims that approximately $623,000 was collected from individuals seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the upcoming global tournament in North America. Investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) suggest that some applicants were charged as much as $8,000 for these unauthorized services. This move by the presidency follows the dissolution of the NSA’s governing board on September 2, 2026, a step taken as part of broader governance reforms aimed at addressing systemic issues in the management of Ghana’s major sporting facilities.

In his first public response, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah expressed deep disappointment over his removal, stating that he was not given an adequate opportunity to present his side of the story. Despite the allegations, he maintained a calm demeanor, asserting his innocence and noting that his primary focus had been on the urgent renovation of the Accra Sports Stadium and other venues for the Black Stars. His legal counsel, Jerry Avenorgbor, has also denied any wrongdoing on behalf of his client, dismissing the claims as false and expressing confidence that the ongoing investigation by the police will eventually clear Ankrah’s name.

The leadership change at the NSA reflects the government's intensified efforts to restore accountability and improve infrastructure within the sports sector. Public frustration has mounted recently over the deteriorating state of national stadiums, leading to calls for more transparent and efficient administration. As the government prepares to reconstitute the NSA board, Professor Sarpong’s immediate mandate will involve overseeing the authority’s operations while ensuring full cooperation with law enforcement agencies to resolve the allegations surrounding the visa scheme.