President Mahama sacks NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

President John Dramani Mahama has removed National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from office, ending his tenure at the state sports agency.

His removal comes less than a month after President Mahama dissolved the NSA governing board on September 2 amid growing concerns over the management and condition of Ghana’s major sporting facilities.

Although the board was dissolved, Ampofo Ankrah remained in charge of the Authority’s day-to-day operations.

His tenure subsequently came under increased scrutiny following allegations surrounding a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Minority in Parliament had called for his immediate dismissal or suspension, alleging that more than US$600,000 had been collected from individuals seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the tournament.

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 for the arrangement were displayed at NSA offices and stadium facilities.

The allegations prompted a police investigation, during which Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA officials were reportedly questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme, saying its legal team was cooperating with the police investigation.

Ampofo Ankrah’s removal also comes against the backdrop of sustained concerns over Ghana’s sporting infrastructure, particularly the condition and suitability of major stadiums, including the Accra and Baba Yara stadia.

The Presidency had said following the September 2 dissolution that the NSA board would be reconstituted in due course.