Suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has declined an invitation to appear before Ghana's Parliament to answer questions over alleged visa fraud linked to the country's 2026 FIFA World Cup arrangements. In a statement issued by his lawyer on October 8, Ampofo Ankrah said he would not appear before Parliament until the police complete their investigations into the allegations. The decision was made following calls by Parliament's Minority for scrutiny of the allegations surrounding the NSA's World Cup preparations.
The Minority has raised concerns over claims that money was collected from visa applicants, official lists were manipulated, and fictitious positions were created to facilitate visa applications for Ghana's World Cup delegation. President John Dramani Mahama subsequently directed Ampofo Ankrah to step aside while the Ghana Police Service investigates the allegations. Ampofo Ankrah's lawyer stated that appearing before Parliament while the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is conducting its investigation could prejudice the process and make the work of investigators more difficult.
Ampofo Ankrah's lawyer emphasized that the decision should not be interpreted as a refusal by Ampofo Ankrah to account to Parliament or any other constitutionally mandated institution. According to the statement, the suspended NSA boss has cooperated with the police and will continue to do so in order to help establish the facts surrounding the allegations. His lawyer also stressed that the investigation should not be regarded as a finding of wrongdoing against Ampofo Ankrah or any other individual.
The legal team urged the public and media to exercise restraint and avoid presenting allegations or speculation as established facts while the investigation remains ongoing. Ampofo Ankrah, through his lawyer, said he would respond to the substantive allegations once the police investigation had been completed and its findings formally made public. His lawyer added that should his suspension be lifted and he return to office, Ampofo Ankrah would comply with any lawful requirement to appear before Parliament or another competent institution.
The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of the NSA over arrangements for Ghana's participation in the 2026 World Cup. The Minority has also called for accountability from other officials connected to the process, including Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Iddie Adams. For now, Ampofo Ankrah says he will allow the police investigation to run its course before addressing Parliament on the allegations.
Ampofo Ankrah's position has been supported by his lawyer, who stated that the suspended NSA boss is willing to cooperate with the police and other institutions to establish the facts surrounding the allegations. The lawyer's statement also emphasized that Ampofo Ankrah's decision to decline the Parliament invitation was not a refusal to account for his actions, but rather a desire to avoid prejudicing the ongoing investigation.
The issue has sparked widespread debate in Ghana, with many calling for accountability and transparency in the country's sports administration. The outcome of the police investigation and Ampofo Ankrah's eventual appearance before Parliament are expected to shed more light on the allegations and potentially lead to further action against those found to be involved in any wrongdoing.
Key points
- Yaw Ampofo Ankrah declines Parliament invitation to answer questions over alleged visa fraud linked to 2026 FIFA World Cup arrangements.
- The Minority has raised concerns over claims of money being collected from visa applicants and fictitious positions being created to facilitate visa applications.
- Ampofo Ankrah will allow the police investigation to run its course before addressing Parliament on the allegations.
