Adoa News Adoa News
Suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is being investigated over allegations surrounding a visa facilitation arrangement involving people seeking to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The investigation centres on claims that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals who sought assistance with visa applications and travel arrangements for the tournament.
The Minority in Parliament has alleged that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000 under the arrangement.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah, together with other NSA officials, was subsequently questioned by security authorities as part of investigations into the allegations.
The NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme. The Authority has also stated that its legal team is cooperating with investigators.
The investigation comes amid a change in leadership at the NSA. Mr Ampofo Ankrah was removed as Director-General, with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed to serve as Acting Director-General.
Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), assumes responsibility for the Authority as scrutiny of its operations continues.
His appointment follows President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to dissolve the NSA’s governing board on September 2, 2026.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah, who served as a member of the dissolved board, remained responsible for the Authority’s day-to-day administration after the board was dissolved.
His subsequent removal places the NSA under new leadership as investigations into the alleged visa arrangement continue.