President John Dramani Mahama has removed National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from office, ending his tenure amid intensifying scrutiny over the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities and an ongoing police investigation into an alleged World Cup visa scheme.
The move comes less than a month after Mahama dissolved the NSA’s 15-member governing board on 2 September 2026, citing broader governance reforms and growing public concern over the state of major venues such as the Accra and Baba Yara stadia. 1219 Although the board was disbanded, Ampofo Ankrah had continued to oversee the Authority’s day-to-day operations pending reconstitution.
Pressure on Ampofo Ankrah increased after parliamentary Minority members alleged that about US$600,000–$623,000 was collected from individuals seeking help with travel and visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with some applicants reportedly charged up to US$8,000. 1225 They further claimed promotional materials for the arrangement were displayed at NSA offices and stadium facilities.
The allegations triggered a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) inquiry, with Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA officials reportedly questioned. 1225 The NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme and says its legal team is cooperating with the police investigation.
Ampofo Ankrah’s removal marks another leadership change at the NSA as the government faces pressure to address infrastructure deficits, facility management and administrative accountability in the sports sector. 1229 The Presidency has indicated that the NSA board will be reconstituted “in due course,” while the visa-related allegations remain under investigation.
By Kwame Bediako