Suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah says he will not appear before Parliament to answer questions over alleged visa fraud linked to Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup arrangements until the police have completed their investigations.
Ampofo Ankrah has been asked by President John Dramani Mahama to step aside while the Ghana Police Service investigates allegations surrounding the NSA's handling of World Cup travel arrangements.
The Minority in Parliament had called for an investigation into claims that money was collected from visa applicants, official lists were manipulated and fictitious positions were created to facilitate visa applications.
In a statement issued through his lawyer on Thursday, 8 October, Ampofo Ankrah said appearing before Parliament while the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) investigation is ongoing could prejudice the process and interfere with the work of investigators.
“It would be imprudent for Mr Ampofo Ankrah to appear before Parliament in relation to matters that are presently the subject of the CID investigation,” his lawyer said.
The legal team stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a refusal by Ampofo Ankrah to account to Parliament or any other constitutionally mandated institution.
According to the statement, Ampofo Ankrah has cooperated with the police and will continue to do so in order to help establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
His lawyer also emphasised that the ongoing investigation does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against Ampofo Ankrah or any other person.
The legal team urged the public and media to exercise restraint and avoid treating allegations or speculation as established facts while the investigation continues.
Ampofo Ankrah is expected to respond to the substantive allegations once the police investigation has been completed and its findings formally made public.
His lawyer added that should the suspension be lifted and Ampofo Ankrah restored to office, he would comply with any lawful requirement to appear before Parliament or another competent institution.
The controversy comes amid increased scrutiny of the NSA over arrangements for Ghana's participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The Minority has also demanded accountability from other officials linked to the arrangements, including Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Iddie Adams.
For now, Ampofo Ankrah maintains that the police investigation must be allowed to run its course before he responds to questions in Parliament.
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