President John Dramani Mahama has made a major change at the National Sports Authority (NSA), removing Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General and appointing Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong to serve as Acting Director-General.
Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), assumes leadership of the Authority at a time when the management of Ghana’s sports infrastructure is receiving increased public attention.
His appointment follows the departure of Mr Ampofo Ankrah, whose tenure at the NSA has come under scrutiny in recent months.
The change in leadership also comes against the backdrop of a police investigation into allegations surrounding an alleged visa facilitation arrangement connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NSA has consistently rejected claims that it authorised a scheme to collect money from individuals seeking assistance with World Cup visa and travel arrangements. The Authority has maintained that it had no involvement in any such activity and has indicated that it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah and other officials of the Authority were reportedly questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department as part of inquiries into the allegations.
The issue gained political attention in Parliament after the Minority called for action against the NSA leadership over claims that more than US$600,000 had been collected from people seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the tournament.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s exit also follows the dissolution of the NSA governing board by President Mahama on September 2, 2026. Although the board was dissolved, Mr Ampofo Ankrah remained in charge of the Authority’s daily administration until his removal.
Beyond the investigation, the NSA has faced pressure over the state of some of Ghana’s major sporting facilities. The condition and readiness of venues such as the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium have generated concerns over their ability to host major sporting events.
Prof. Sarpong therefore takes over with several issues awaiting his attention, including the maintenance of sports facilities, the administration of the NSA and efforts to strengthen the management of Ghana’s sporting infrastructure.
His appointment marks a fresh phase for the Authority as attention shifts to how the new leadership will address the challenges facing the country’s sports sector.
— Attractive Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah
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