BNI investigates Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over alleged World Cup visa facilitation scheme

Suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

Suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is being investigated over an alleged visa facilitation scheme involving individuals seeking to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The investigation follows allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from prospective travellers who sought assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament.

The Minority in Parliament has alleged that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000 under the arrangement.

Mr Ampofo Ankrah and other officials of the NSA were subsequently questioned by security authorities as part of investigations into the allegations.

The NSA has, however, denied authorising any scheme to facilitate visas or collect money from prospective travellers. The Authority has also indicated that its legal team is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The development comes after Mr Ampofo Ankrah was removed as Director-General of the NSA, with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed as Acting Director-General.

Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has assumed responsibility for the Authority as scrutiny of its operations continues.

Mr Ampofo Ankrah's removal followed President John Dramani Mahama's dissolution of the NSA's governing board on September 2, 2026.

Although he served on the dissolved board, Mr Ampofo Ankrah continued to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Authority after the board was dissolved.

The allegations surrounding the visa arrangements remain under investigation.