President John Dramani Mahama has removed National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from office, bringing his tenure at the Authority to an end.
His removal comes amid growing scrutiny over the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities and an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The development follows the dissolution of the NSA’s governing board by President Mahama on September 2, amid concerns over the state and management of major sporting facilities across the country.
Although the board was dissolved, Ampofo Ankrah continued to oversee the day-to-day administration of the Authority until his removal.
His tenure subsequently came under increased pressure following allegations that more than US$600,000 had been collected from individuals seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority in Parliament called for his immediate dismissal or suspension over the allegations.
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, alleged that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000, while promotional materials relating to the arrangement were reportedly displayed at NSA offices and stadium facilities.
The allegations prompted a police investigation, with Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA officials reportedly questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
The NSA, however, denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme and stated that its legal team was cooperating with the police investigation.
The controversy came against the backdrop of mounting concerns over Ghana’s sports infrastructure, particularly the condition of major stadiums.
The Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium have faced renewed scrutiny over their suitability to host major sporting events, putting additional pressure on the management of the country’s sports facilities.
With the dissolution of the NSA board already having altered the Authority’s leadership structure, Ampofo Ankrah’s removal marks another significant change at the top of the organisation.
The allegations surrounding the visa arrangement remain under investigation, while the NSA has maintained that it did not authorise the alleged scheme.
By: Bernard Mensah
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