President John Dramani Mahama has suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah following allegations surrounding the processing of visas for Ghanaians seeking to travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The suspension comes weeks after claims emerged that about US$623,000 was received from prospective travellers seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament.
Some applicants were reportedly charged as much as US$8,000. The allegations prompted an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, with Mr Ampofo Ankrah and other individuals connected to the matter questioned by investigators. The investigation aims to establish whether money was collected from prospective travellers, who received the funds, and what representations were made to those who paid.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah appeared before the CID last week and denied the allegations against him. The controversy also led to calls from the Minority in Parliament for the NSA director-general to be removed or suspended while the police investigation was ongoing. The NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation service or the collection of money from members of the public in connection with the World Cup.
The Authority has said its legal team is cooperating with the police investigation. The suspension therefore comes as the allegations remain unresolved and the NSA faces scrutiny over its alleged involvement in the visa arrangements. This development follows President Mahama’s decision on 2 September to dissolve the governing board of the NSA as part of wider changes affecting several state institutions.
A new board is expected to be constituted. Meanwhile, Director of School Sports Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority. The 2026 World Cup will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The allegations against Mr Ampofo Ankrah and the NSA have raised concerns about corruption and exploitation of Ghanaians seeking to travel abroad. The CID investigation is expected to uncover the truth behind the alleged visa scam and bring those responsible to justice.
The suspension of Mr Ampofo Ankrah and the appointment of an acting director-general are expected to help restore public trust in the NSA. The Authority has assured the public that it will cooperate fully with the investigation and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- President John Dramani Mahama suspends NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over alleged involvement in 2026 World Cup visa scandal.
- The suspension follows allegations that about US$623,000 was received from prospective travellers seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament.
- Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority.
