Days after the Minority in Parliament called for his removal over allegations surrounding a World Cup visa facilitation scheme, President John Dramani Mahama has sacked Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA).
To this end, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been appointed Acting Director-General to replace him.
Ampofo Ankrah’s removal comes amid scrutiny over the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities and allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority had called for his suspension or dismissal, alleging that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000.
The NSA has denied involvement in the alleged visa facilitation scheme and said it is cooperating with the police investigation into the matter.
Ampofo Ankrah’s exit also comes less than a month after President Mahama dissolved the NSA’s governing board on September 2, 2026.
Although the board was dissolved, Ampofo Ankrah continued to oversee the Authority’s day-to-day operations until his removal.
