Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), takes charge of the NSA at a time of heightened scrutiny over the management of Ghana’s sports facilities and the administration of the Authority.
He brings experience in sports science, education and sports administration to the position.
Prof. Sarpong is a member of the NSA Governing Board and previously served as Chairman of the Board’s Technical Committee. He has also served as Ghana’s National Coordinator for School Sports and is a member of the Games and Technical Committee.
He previously worked as a lecturer and sports administrator at UEW and has held several positions in Ghana’s sports sector.
Prof. Sarpong was also a member of the NSA’s 2025–2026 Governing Board before President John Dramani Mahama dissolved the board in September 2026.
His appointment also brings renewed attention to his earlier association with the NSA Director-General position. In January 2025, reports identified him as one of the individuals being considered for the role amid calls from sections of the sporting community for a technically experienced sports professional to lead the Authority.
His academic and professional background is in exercise and sports science, with expertise in physical activity, sports performance and athlete development. He currently serves as Dean of Student Affairs at UEW, according to information from the National Teaching Council.
Prof. Sarpong assumes the acting role following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, whose tenure had come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks.
The former NSA Director-General faced calls for his removal amid investigations into allegations surrounding a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NSA has previously denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme and stated that it was cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Prof. Sarpong will now lead the Authority as attention remains focused on the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities and efforts to improve the administration of the country’s sports infrastructure.
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