Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong Appointed Acting NSA Boss as CID Investigation Continues

Accra, Ghana — October 1, 2026: Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has been suspended from his position as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) with immediate effect, following growing scrutiny over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

President John Dramani Mahama has directed that Ankrah step aside while an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service continues.

Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been appointed Acting Director-General of the NSA and will oversee the Authority during Ankrah’s suspension.

Presidential Directive

A letter dated October 1, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Calitus Mahama, communicated the President’s decision.

According to the letter sighted by JoySports, Ankrah has been suspended from his duties pending the completion of the CID investigation.

The letter also makes clear that the suspension is an administrative measure and does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing against Ankrah.

This distinction is significant because the allegations that triggered the investigation remain subject to the investigative process.

Ankrah is therefore not being presented as having been found guilty of any offence.

What Triggered the Investigation?

The development follows allegations concerning an alleged scheme involving payments from individuals seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The allegations gained attention in September after claims emerged that more than US$600,000 may have been collected from prospective travellers.

The Minority in Parliament subsequently called for Ankrah to be suspended or removed while investigations into the matter continued.

The Minority also alleged that some individuals were charged as much as US$8,000 for assistance relating to visas and travel arrangements. These figures and allegations have been reported as matters under investigation and have not been established as criminal wrongdoing by Ankrah.

NSA Denies Authorising Visa Scheme

The National Sports Authority has strongly denied authorising any arrangement to collect money from members of the public in exchange for assistance in obtaining visas for the World Cup.

In a statement issued in September, the NSA said it had neither authorised nor operated an office at a stadium for collecting money or facilitating World Cup visas.

The Authority also clarified the involvement of TRIBE FEST, describing it as a FIFA-licensed partner involved in fan-experience activities, World Cup viewing events and event mobilisation.

According to the NSA, that relationship did not authorise TRIBE FEST, NSA employees or any other person to collect money for visa procurement on behalf of the Authority.

The NSA said it was aware of a petition concerning the matter and that its legal team would cooperate with any lawful investigation by the Ghana Police Service.

The Authority also stated that if credible evidence establishes wrongdoing by an employee, official or third party, it expects the appropriate authorities to deal with those responsible according to the law.

Ankrah Questioned Over Allegations

Ankrah has reportedly appeared before security authorities in connection with the allegations.

According to reports published on October 1, he denied wrongdoing when he appeared before the police.

His suspension therefore comes while the investigation remains ongoing.

Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong Takes Over

With Ankrah suspended, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority.

Sarpong is an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Education, Winneba.

He has also held a number of responsibilities within Ghana’s sports administration and previously served on the NSA Governing Board.

He was Chairman of the Board’s Technical Committee and has served as Ghana’s National Coordinator for School Sports.

His appointment places him at the centre of the Authority’s operations at a particularly sensitive period, with the NSA facing scrutiny over both its administration and management of sports infrastructure.

Ankrah’s 18-Month Tenure Comes Under Scrutiny

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah assumed the position of NSA Director-General in March 2025.

His approximately 18-month tenure has involved a number of institutional and administrative developments, while his leadership has also attracted scrutiny over the management and maintenance of Ghana’s sporting facilities.

Major facilities including the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium have been among those receiving public attention over their condition and suitability for major sporting events.

His administration also faced controversy earlier in 2026 over the recruitment of 17 staff members.

Reports at the time indicated that the NSA Board had directed management to revoke the appointments after concerns were raised about whether the required public-sector recruitment procedures had been followed.

Ankrah subsequently acknowledged that the affected recruits had not completed the required procedures and said they would be required to reapply in accordance with established processes.

NSA Governing Board Already Dissolved

The latest leadership change comes less than a month after President Mahama dissolved the governing board of the National Sports Authority.

On September 2, 2026, the Presidency announced the immediate dissolution of the governing boards of nine state-owned enterprises and public institutions, including the NSA.

The Presidency said the affected boards would be reconstituted in due course.

Ankrah was a member of the dissolved NSA Governing Board in his capacity as Director-General but continued overseeing the Authority’s day-to-day administration following the board’s dissolution.

Prof. Sarpong was also a member of that board before its dissolution.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus will be on the ongoing CID investigation into the allegations surrounding the purported World Cup visa facilitation arrangement.

The investigation is expected to establish the facts surrounding the alleged collection of money, identify the individuals or organisations involved and determine whether any criminal offences were committed.

For Ankrah, the presidential directive means he will remain away from his duties while the investigation proceeds.

Importantly, the presidential letter reportedly states that the suspension itself should not be interpreted as a determination that Ankrah committed wrongdoing.

For the NSA, Prof. Sarpong will now oversee the Authority’s operations while the investigation continues and the government considers the longer-term leadership arrangements.

A Developing Story

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension marks a significant change in the leadership of Ghana’s National Sports Authority.

The decision follows weeks of controversy surrounding the alleged World Cup visa arrangement, calls from the Parliamentary Minority for Ankrah to step aside and an ongoing security investigation.

However, the central allegations remain under investigation.

Until the relevant authorities complete their work and make any formal findings, allegations concerning payments, visa facilitation and possible wrongdoing should not be treated as established facts.

JYMultimedia will continue to follow developments in the investigation, the administration of the National Sports Authority and any further decisions by the government or security agencies.