NSA faces scrutiny as BNI probes World Cup visa allegations

The National Sports Authority (NSA) is facing renewed scrutiny following the decision by Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside amid investigations into an alleged visa facilitation scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ampofo Ankrah was asked to leave his position on Thursday, 1 October 2026, as law enforcement authorities continue to examine allegations involving the collection of more than US$600,000 from prospective World Cup travellers.

Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has since been appointed Acting Director-General of the NSA and takes charge at a time when the Authority is under increased public and political scrutiny.

The investigation centres on an alleged arrangement involving the NSA and a private entity identified in reports as TRIBE FEST.

According to allegations raised by Ghana’s parliamentary Minority, prospective travellers seeking to attend the World Cup were asked to pay thousands of dollars for assistance with visa applications and travel arrangements.

The Minority has claimed that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000, with the total amount allegedly collected exceeding US$600,000.

The allegations have also raised questions about the use of NSA facilities in promoting the arrangement.

Promotional materials connected to the visa and travel assistance scheme were reportedly displayed at NSA offices and around some stadium facilities, prompting questions about how a private entity was able to operate or promote its services within state-owned sports facilities.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has been involved in the investigation, with Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA officials reportedly questioned over the allegations.

However, the NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation arrangement or scheme involving the collection of money from prospective World Cup travellers.

The controversy prompted calls from the parliamentary Minority for Ampofo Ankrah to be removed or asked to step aside while investigations continued.

The Minority stressed that its concerns did not amount to a declaration of guilt, arguing that the facts should be established through the ongoing investigation.

Ampofo Ankrah's departure therefore comes as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged arrangement and the role, if any, played by officials of the NSA.

The appointment of Prof. Osei Sarpong places new leadership at the Authority as the investigation proceeds.

The development also comes at a critical period for Ghanaian sports administration, with the NSA responsible for managing and supporting the country's major sporting facilities and infrastructure.

The outcome of the investigations is expected to determine whether any individuals or organisations breached Ghanaian laws or administrative procedures in connection with the alleged World Cup visa arrangement.