Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA). This appointment comes after the removal of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from the position on October 1, 2026. Prof. Sarpong's appointment was announced by President John Dramani Mahama, and he takes over the administration of the Authority at a time of heightened scrutiny over Ghana's sports infrastructure and management.
Prof. Sarpong is no stranger to the NSA, having served as a member of its Governing Board before President Mahama dissolved the board on September 2, 2026. He also served as Chairman of the Board's Technical Committee. His extensive experience in physical education, sports science, sports administration, and athlete development makes him a suitable candidate for the position. At UEW, he is the Dean of Students Affairs and is attached to the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports.
The development brings an end to Mr. Ankrah's tenure at the Authority, which lasted about 18 months. His removal comes amid an ongoing police investigation into allegations surrounding an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The NSA has denied authorizing any such visa facilitation or money-collection arrangement and said its legal team was cooperating with the police investigation.
Prof. Sarpong has also held national responsibilities in sports development, including serving as Ghana's National Coordinator for School Sports and participating in the Games and Technical Committee. His appointment comes less than a month after the dissolution of the previous NSA Governing Board, which included Mr. Ankrah and Prof. Sarpong. The dissolved board had been inaugurated in December 2025.
As the new Acting Director-General, Prof. Sarpong assumes responsibility for the NSA at a critical time, with the Authority facing renewed attention over the management and maintenance of major sporting facilities, including the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium. His immediate task will be to oversee the day-to-day administration of the Authority while the government considers the next substantive leadership and the reconstitution of the NSA Governing Board.
The allegations surrounding the visa facilitation arrangement remain subject to investigation and have not established criminal liability against Mr. Ankrah or any other person. The NSA has assured that its legal team is cooperating with the police investigation. The Authority's management and maintenance of major sporting facilities are expected to receive attention under Prof. Sarpong's leadership.
With his extensive experience in sports administration and development, Prof. Sarpong is expected to bring a new level of expertise to the NSA. His appointment is seen as a move to revamp the Authority and address the challenges facing Ghana's sports sector. The government is expected to consider the next substantive leadership and the reconstitution of the NSA Governing Board in the coming days.
Key points
- Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed as acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority
- Yaw Ampofo Ankrah removed as NSA Director-General amid allegations
- Prof. Sarpong faces challenges in managing major sporting facilities and revamping the NSA
