Yaw Ampofo Ankrah Breaks Silence Following Removal as National Sports Authority Boss Over $623,000 Visa Scandal

The National Sports Authority (NSA) is facing a significant leadership crisis following the removal of its Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. His departure is reportedly linked to an ongoing investigation into a high-profile visa facilitation scandal connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the heart of the controversy are allegations that high-ranking officials within the NSA may have illicitly received approximately US$623,000 from individuals in exchange for assistance in securing visas for the global tournament.

The scandal, which has sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian sports community, centers on claims that commissions and illegal payments were solicited to bypass standard immigration and sporting protocols. Reports suggest that a $56,000 commission mentioned in preliminary findings is part of a larger web of financial irregularities that triggered the executive action against the Director-General. This investigation represents one of the most significant corruption probes to hit the sports authority in recent years, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in the management of international tournament logistics.

Breaking his silence for the first time since the news surfaced, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah spoke in an exclusive interview with Joysports, expressing a mixture of disappointment and composure. He noted that while he is troubled by the development, particularly regarding the fact that he felt he had "not been heard" before the decision was reached, he remains calm in the face of the allegations. His remarks suggest a defense against the procedural handling of his suspension or dismissal, though he has yet to provide a detailed public rebuttal to the specific financial allegations brought against the NSA.

As the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to the broader implications for Ghana’s administrative integrity and future participation in international events. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is expected to provide further clarity on the interim leadership of the NSA and the progress of the probe into the $623,000 payments. For now, the sports fraternity awaits a formal report that will determine whether more officials will be held accountable and what measures will be implemented to restore the integrity of the nation's premier sports administrative body.