Yaw Ampofo Ankrah’s tenure as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) has come to an end following his removal from office by President John Dramani Mahama.
He has been replaced in an acting capacity by Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
The leadership change comes at a crucial time for the NSA, which has faced increasing attention over the management and condition of Ghana’s major sporting facilities.
The Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium have been among the facilities to attract scrutiny over their suitability to host major sporting events, placing the Authority under pressure to improve the maintenance and management of the country’s sporting infrastructure.
Ampofo Ankrah’s removal also follows the dissolution of the NSA Governing Board by President Mahama on September 2. Although the board was dissolved, Ampofo Ankrah remained in charge of the Authority’s daily operations until his own removal.
His tenure was further clouded by allegations surrounding an alleged visa facilitation arrangement connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority in Parliament called for action against the former NSA boss after allegations that more than US$600,000 had been collected from people seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the tournament.
Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, alleged that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000, while promotional materials relating to the arrangement were reportedly displayed at NSA offices and stadium facilities.
The allegations subsequently triggered a police investigation, with Ampofo Ankrah and other NSA officials reportedly questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department.
The NSA has denied authorising the alleged scheme and said it was cooperating with the investigation.
Ankrah Responds To His Removal
Following his removal, Ampofo Ankrah responded briefly on social media, urging calm while acknowledging the President’s decision.
“The president is always right. There’s no cause for alarm. Time will tell. Let’s remain calm and keep pushing for the reset,” he wrote on Facebook.
He did not directly address the allegations in his statement, while the investigation into the alleged visa arrangement remains ongoing.
Prof. Sarpong Brings NSA Experience
Prof. Sarpong takes over with considerable experience in sports education, administration and technical development.
Before his appointment, he served on the NSA’s 2025–2026 Governing Board and chaired its Technical Committee. He has also served as Ghana’s National Coordinator for School Sports and is a member of the Games and Technical Committee.
His previous involvement with the NSA means he is familiar with the Authority’s structures and some of the challenges confronting it.
Prof. Sarpong had also previously been linked with the NSA Director-General position. In January 2025, reports identified him among individuals being considered for the role amid calls for a technically experienced sports professional to lead the Authority.
His appointment now places him at the centre of efforts to steer the NSA through a period of institutional change.
With the governing board yet to be reconstituted, and concerns over sports infrastructure and administration still unresolved, Prof. Sarpong inherits an Authority facing significant expectations from the government and Ghana’s sporting community.
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