The National Sports Authority (NSA) in Ghana has a new leader, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, who has been appointed as the acting Director-General following the dismissal of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. This move comes after a controversy surrounding an alleged 2026 World Cup visa scheme in which over $600,000 was reportedly collected. Professor Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), brings a wealth of experience in sports science and education to his new role.
Professor Sarpong has had a long and distinguished career at UEW, rising through the ranks from teaching assistant to Associate Professor of Exercise and Sports Science. His academic work focuses on sports performance, exercise physiology, physical activity, nutrition, and sports injury prevention. He holds a PhD in Human Kinetics from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria, an MSc in Health Services Planning and Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and a Bachelor of Education degree from UEW.
In addition to his academic qualifications, Professor Sarpong has also received sports coaching training at the University of Leipzig in Germany. He has taken on various administrative responsibilities at UEW, including roles connected to student affairs and sports. His experience in sports development and administration will be valuable in his new role as NSA Director-General.
Professor Sarpong is not new to the NSA, having served on the Authority's Governing Board and chaired its Technical Committee. This experience has given him insight into the NSA's workings and the challenges it faces. His involvement in school sports and broader sports development programs has also provided him with practical experience outside the university setting.
As Professor Sarpong assumes leadership of the NSA, he faces significant challenges, including long-standing questions around infrastructure, facility management, and sports development. The NSA oversees major sporting facilities across Ghana and plays a central role in promoting sporting activity at all levels. His immediate priority will be to consolidate the Authority's direction and engage stakeholders.
The appointment of Professor Sarpong marks a significant transition from academic and board-level administration into full executive leadership of Ghana's sports sector. He will be expected to lead the NSA in addressing the challenges facing Ghanaian sports and promoting development in the sector.
Meanwhile, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the former NSA Director-General, has responded to reports of his removal, expressing confidence in the presidency and urging the public to remain calm. The controversy surrounding his dismissal and the alleged 2026 World Cup visa scheme continue to be a subject of discussion in Ghanaian sports circles.
Key points
- Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed as the acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority in Ghana.
- He replaces Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who was dismissed amid a controversy surrounding an alleged 2026 World Cup visa scheme.
- Professor Sarpong brings a wealth of experience in sports science and education to his new role, having served on the NSA Governing Board and chaired its Technical Committee.
