President John Dramani Mahama has removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), amid concerns over the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities and an ongoing police investigation into an alleged World Cup visa scheme.
Ampofo Ankrah’s removal comes less than a month after President Mahama dissolved the NSA governing board on September 2, 2026, following renewed scrutiny of the condition of the country’s major sporting facilities.
Although the board was dissolved, Ampofo Ankrah continued overseeing the Authority’s day-to-day operations until his removal.
His tenure also came under pressure following allegations of a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority in Parliament had called for his immediate dismissal or suspension, alleging that more than US$600,000 had been collected from individuals seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the tournament.
Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, claimed that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000. He also alleged that promotional materials for the arrangement were displayed at NSA offices and stadium facilities.
The allegations prompted a police inquiry, during which Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA officials were reportedly questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department.
The NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme, adding that its legal team is cooperating with the police investigation.
The controversy follows months of criticism over Ghana’s sporting infrastructure, particularly the condition of major stadiums, including the Accra Sports Stadium and the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Presidency had earlier announced that the NSA board would be reconstituted following its dissolution in September.
Ampofo Ankrah’s removal marks another leadership change at the Authority as the government faces pressure to address concerns over sports infrastructure, facility management and the administration of the NSA.
The allegations surrounding the visa scheme remain under investigation, and no findings establishing responsibility have been provided in the information available.