The Minority in Parliament has called for the dismissal or suspension of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over allegations surrounding a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority says the allegations, which reportedly involve more than US$600,000, are serious enough to warrant the NSA Director-General stepping aside while investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) continue.
Minority Calls for NSA Boss to Step Aside
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, made the call while addressing journalists.
According to the Minority, questions have been raised about an alleged arrangement through which individuals seeking assistance with travel to the World Cup were reportedly charged significant amounts of money.
The caucus has called for answers regarding who authorised the arrangement, who received the funds, what services were provided, and what happened to individuals who allegedly paid but did not receive the services promised.
Allegations Under Investigation
The Minority said the NSA Director-General and some staff members have reportedly appeared before the CID in connection with the matter.
However, the caucus stressed that it was not prejudging the outcome of the investigation and would not declare anyone guilty before the facts are established.
The call for the NSA boss to step aside, according to the Minority, is intended to allow the investigation to proceed without concerns about institutional influence.
NSA Denies Authorising Visa Facilitation
The National Sports Authority has denied allegations that it authorised any visa facilitation operation or the collection of money from members of the public for World Cup visas.
The NSA has also said it is prepared to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation by the Ghana Police Service and that its officials will provide assistance if invited by investigators.
The Authority further clarified that its collaboration with TRIBE FEST, a FIFA-licensed partner involved in fan-experience and World Cup-related activities, did not authorise the collection of money for visa procurement on behalf of the NSA.
Minority Seeks Accountability
The Minority maintains that the allegations require a thorough investigation and full accountability where wrongdoing is established.
The caucus has therefore urged the government to take appropriate administrative action while the investigation continues.
Due Process Remains Key
As investigations proceed, the allegations against the NSA leadership and other individuals remain subject to verification.
Any person suspected of wrongdoing is entitled to due process, and criminal responsibility can only be established through the appropriate legal process.
The controversy has nevertheless intensified discussions about transparency, accountability, and the management of arrangements connected to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.