Yaw Ampofo Ankrah dismissed as NSA boss amid World Cup visa probe
President Mahama has appointed Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong as acting NSA DG as police investigate alleged $8,000 visa facilitation scheme linked to 2026 World Cup
Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from his role as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), weeks after criminal complaints emerged over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The President's office confirmed the removal, which clears the way for Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba, to be installed as acting head of the Authority.
The dismissal follows a probe by the Criminal Investigations Department into claims that certain officials may have helped travelers secure World Cup visas for fees reaching up to US$8,000. Allegations suggest the scheme could have generated more than US$600,000, though no official charges have been filed. Earlier parliamentary inquiries had urged the sacking of Mr. Ankrah while investigations continued.
The National Sports Authority issued a formal denial of any money-collection or visa facilitation activity under its authority, stating that its legal team is fully cooperating with the police investigation and that staff are ready to assist authorities. It confirmed that Professor Sarpong is now stepping into the role at a time when questions remain about the Authority's oversight of Ghanaian sports infrastructure and ongoing scrutiny of the visa-linked claims.
The President had previously dissolved the governing boards of several sports agencies, including the NSA, on September 2, 2026, signaling a broader reshuffle of sports governance in Ghana. With the national football team's qualification campaign for the 2026 tournament underway, attention remains sharp on travel arrangements and the integrity of international match scheduling processes.
The investigation by the police will continue to examine whether any officials received direct financial benefit from the alleged visa facilitation network. At this stage, no individuals have been formally charged.
