Suspended National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has spoken publicly for the first time since his suspension. His lawyer, Jerry Avenorgbor of Brookman Amissah & Associates, issued a statement on October 8, 2026. Ampofo Ankrah is cooperating with the police investigation into allegations against him but will not appear before Parliament while the probe is ongoing. His legal team considers it appropriate to withhold detailed public comment on the allegations until the investigation concludes.
According to the statement, Ampofo Ankrah has cooperated and will continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities. His representatives appealed to the public, commentators, and the media to exercise restraint and avoid presenting speculation or unverified claims as established fact. The statement stressed that the mere existence of an investigation does not amount to a finding or determination of wrongdoing against Ampofo Ankrah or anyone else connected to the matter.
Parliament has sought Ampofo Ankrah's appearance over issues tied to the ongoing investigation into his conduct as NSA boss. However, his legal team argued that appearing before the House while the police probe is still active could complicate the investigative process. This could potentially prejudice the investigation and undermine efforts to establish the relevant facts.
Ampofo Ankrah's representatives described his decision not to appear before Parliament as a deliberate move to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. They insisted this should not be read as a refusal to cooperate with Parliament or any other constitutionally mandated body. If his suspension is lifted and he is restored to his post, he will respond appropriately to any lawful request to appear before Parliament or another competent institution.
The NSA is the government body responsible for overseeing and regulating sports administration in Ghana. A prolonged leadership vacuum or cloud of allegations at the top of the authority has implications for how sports programmes and funding decisions are handled nationally. The matter remains unresolved, affecting the management of national sports infrastructure and support for sporting federations.
The statement does not give a timeline for when the Ghana Police Service investigation is expected to conclude. Ampofo Ankrah's legal team said that he and his representatives will respond substantively once the relevant authorities complete their work and formally announce their findings. Any appearance before Parliament will only happen after the investigation and the circumstances of his suspension have been determined by the appropriate authorities.
The development has significant implications for Ghana's sports sector. The NSA plays a crucial role in regulating sports administration, and a leadership vacuum can impact the sector's overall performance. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds and awaiting the authorities' findings.
Key points
- Yaw Ampofo Ankrah delays appearing before Parliament until the police investigation into allegations against him concludes.
- Ampofo Ankrah's legal team appeals for restraint from the public and media to avoid speculation and unverified claims.
- The NSA leadership vacuum has implications for Ghana's sports programmes and funding decisions.
