Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has deferred his planned appearance before Ghana's Parliament, citing an ongoing investigation by the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) into allegations linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mr. Ampofo Ankrah, who was removed from his position on October 1, 2026, stated that appearing before Parliament while the investigation remains active could interfere with the process of establishing the facts.
The CID investigation centers on allegations surrounding visa and travel arrangements for individuals seeking to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to reports, over $600,000 was collected from prospective travelers seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements, with some individuals allegedly paying as much as $8,000. The allegations involve an arrangement between the NSA and a private entity identified as "TRIBE Culture Fest" or "Strike First".
The Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee had requested the NSA's presence to provide information on matters falling within its mandate during the tournament, including the NSA's role in World Cup arrangements, engagements with stakeholders, logistics, and other administrative responsibilities connected to Ghana's participation. However, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah's decision to defer his appearance means that the NSA will not be able to provide this information to the committee at this time.
Following a directive from President John Mahama, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah stepped aside, and Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong was appointed as the acting Director-General of the NSA. The CID is continuing its investigation into the allegations, and Mr. Ampofo Ankrah's appearance before Parliament will be deferred until the investigation is completed and the circumstances surrounding his suspension have been determined by the relevant authorities.
The allegations under investigation include claims that over 100 names were submitted to the United States and Canadian embassies as part of the arrangements, with fewer than 15 of those listed being genuine NSA staff. Professional profiles were allegedly created for journalists and other individuals who were not members of the Authority. The fraud prevention unit at the US Embassy reportedly flagged the submissions.
The Parliament committee's interest in the matter forms part of a wider examination of Ghana's football administration and issues arising from the country's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The committee's proposed sitting aims to cover a number of issues related to Ghana's preparations for and participation in the tournament.
Mr. Ampofo Ankrah's decision to defer his appearance before Parliament highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding the investigation into allegations of impropriety linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The CID's ongoing investigation and the eventual determination of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ampofo Ankrah's suspension will likely have significant implications for Ghana's sports administration and its participation in international sporting events.
Key points
- Former NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah defers Parliament appearance due to ongoing CID investigation into 2026 FIFA World Cup allegations.
- Investigation centers on allegations of visa and travel arrangement impropriety involving the NSA and a private entity.
- Mr. Ampofo Ankrah's suspension and the CID investigation have significant implications for Ghana's sports administration and 2026 FIFA World Cup participation.
