President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah followed allegations surrounding a visa-facilitation scheme linked to travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The suspension, announced on October 1, 2026, came as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigated claims that money had been collected from prospective travellers seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the global football tournament.
Reports indicated that a petition submitted to the authorities alleged that approximately US$623,000 had been collected in connection with the arrangements. The allegations reportedly involved several individuals, including persons associated with the National Sports Authority.
However, the claims remain subject to investigation, and the allegations should not be treated as established facts.
Ampofo Ankrah subsequently clarified that he had been suspended rather than dismissed from his position. He reportedly expressed disappointment that he had not been given an opportunity to present his side of the matter before the decision was taken, while indicating his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
The suspension has placed the management of the NSA under scrutiny, particularly regarding the institution’s role, if any, in the arrangements for Ghanaians seeking to travel to the World Cup.
The NSA has denied authorising a visa-facilitation service or the collection of money from individuals for World Cup travel. The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged payments, the people involved and whether any official position or institutional resources were used in the process.
Following Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong was appointed Acting Director-General of the NSA to oversee the authority’s operations while the matter was being investigated.
The controversy comes as preparations and travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup attract public attention, with questions being raised about transparency and accountability in any arrangements involving public institutions.
The investigation is expected to clarify the basis of the allegations and determine whether any individuals or officials breached applicable laws or procedures.
Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension does not, in itself, establish that he committed any offence. The outcome of the investigation will be important in determining the facts and any further action that may be warranted.
Source: Thepressradio.com
