Yaw Ampofo Ankrah reveals relentless pressure as former NSA Director-General

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah opened up on the constant and unrelenting pressure that comes with leading the National Sports Authority (NSA) in a recent interview monitored by JoySports. He described the role as one that leaves no room for excuses, emphasizing how difficult it has been to manage expectations while steering the authority through a period of intense scrutiny. His comments follow his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama on March 13, 2025, succeeding Seth Panwum Boyoyo. The transition came amid growing concerns over the condition and management of sports facilities across the country.

During his tenure, Ampofo Ankrah faced mounting criticism over the state of Ghana’s sports infrastructure. He acknowledged that the pressure intensified as stakeholders demanded tangible improvements. In his own words, he noted that there are no excuses when one occupies such a position, reflecting on the weight of responsibility that accompanied his appointment. However, his time at the helm was short-lived. On October 1, 2026, he was asked to step aside pending investigations into allegations involving a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The NSA has denied any wrongdoing, but the matter remains under active review.

Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension sparked a wave of reactions across the sports and political landscape. While some called for accountability, others questioned the fairness of the process. Professor Emmanuel Sarpong has since taken over as the substantive Director-General of the NSA. The former chief has not remained silent, however, speaking publicly about his disappointment and the challenges he faced in transforming the authority. He maintained that his administration had made progress despite the obstacles. Meanwhile, legal counsel for Ampofo Ankrah has firmly stated that he did not receive any money related to the World Cup visa scheme under investigation. The Business News Independent (BNI) is also probing alleged financial improprieties involving over $600,000 linked to the visa facilitation process.

The controversy has reignited debates about governance at the NSA and the need for transparency in public appointments. Calls for deeper accountability have come from civil society and political actors alike. Ekow Assafuah, a communications officer within the ruling party, has argued that Ankrah’s removal should not mark the end of scrutiny but rather a push for full investigation and justice. As the nation prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the role of the NSA remains critical to Ghana’s participation, from facility readiness to stakeholder coordination. The ongoing investigations continue to cast a shadow over the authority’s operations, even as new leadership takes shape.