Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is being investigated over allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from people seeking visa and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The allegations involve a purported arrangement through which individuals were charged for assistance with travelling to the United States for the tournament.
The Minority in Parliament has alleged that some applicants paid as much as US$8,000 under the arrangement.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah and other NSA officials have been questioned by security authorities as investigations into the matter continue.
The NSA has denied approving any visa facilitation arrangement or authorising the collection of money from prospective travellers. The Authority says its legal team is cooperating with investigators.
The investigation comes amid changes in the leadership of the Authority, following Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s removal as Director-General and the appointment of Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong as Acting Director-General.
Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba, assumes leadership as the NSA faces increased scrutiny over its operations.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s removal followed President John Dramani Mahama’s dissolution of the NSA governing board on September 2, 2026.
Although he served on the dissolved board, he continued to supervise the Authority’s daily operations after its dissolution.
