Presiden John Dramani Mahama has appointed Associate Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong as Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), following the removal of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from the position.
Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), assumes leadership of the NSA at a critical period for Ghana’s sports administration and infrastructure.
His appointment follows growing scrutiny of the Authority over the management and maintenance of major sporting facilities, as well as an ongoing police investigation into allegations surrounding an alleged visa facilitation scheme linked to Ghanaian supporters seeking to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NSA has denied authorising or participating in any scheme involving the collection of money for visa facilitation and has indicated that it is cooperating with the police investigation.
Ampofo Ankrah’s departure comes less than a month after President Mahama dissolved the NSA’s governing board on September 2, 2026.
Although the board was dissolved, Ampofo Ankrah remained in charge of the Authority’s day-to-day administration until his removal.
His leadership came under further pressure in September when the Minority in Parliament called for his suspension or dismissal over allegations that more than US$600,000 had been collected from individuals seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the World Cup.
The Minority further alleged that some applicants were charged amounts of up to US$8,000.
Ampofo Ankrah and other officials of the NSA were subsequently reported to have been questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as part of the police investigation.
The NSA, however, rejected the allegations, describing claims that it authorised a visa facilitation and money-collection arrangement as false.
Beyond the investigation, the NSA has also faced concerns over the state of some of Ghana’s major sporting facilities, particularly the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The condition and readiness of the facilities have attracted attention as Ghana continues to prepare for major sporting engagements.
Prof. Sarpong’s appointment therefore places him at the helm of the NSA at a time when the Authority is expected to address questions surrounding sports infrastructure, facility maintenance, administration and public confidence in its operations.
His immediate task will be to oversee the Authority’s activities while efforts continue to address the concerns surrounding Ghana’s sporting facilities and the ongoing investigation.
