Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has reportedly been dismissed by President John Dramani Mahama.

The removal of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah comes following accusations of his involvement in a visa racketeering during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The NSA boss has vehemently denied the allegations, nonetheless he has been directed to vacate his office.

Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been appointed acting Director-General of the NSA.

Background

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah's dismissal comes amid ongoing police investigations into an alleged visa facilitation scheme and other matters regarding the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities.

Pressure on his leadership heightened in September this year after the Minority in Parliament called for his suspension or dismissal over allegations that more than US$600,000 had been collected from individuals seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the World Cup.

The Minority alleged that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000.

Mr Ampofo Ankrah and other NSA officials are reported to have been interrogated by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service as part of the investigations into the Minority's allegations.