The change at the National Sports Authority comes at a critical moment for Ghana’s sports administration, with the Authority facing scrutiny over an alleged World Cup visa arrangement and concerns about the condition of major sporting facilities.

President John Dramani Mahama has removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General and appointed Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong as Acting Director-General. The change was announced on October 1, 2026.

The leadership transition follows a period of controversy surrounding an alleged visa-facilitation arrangement connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Minority in Parliament has claimed that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the tournament. The caucus subsequently called for Mr Ampofo Ankrah to be suspended or removed while the matter was investigated.

The NSA, however, has denied authorising any scheme to collect money from people seeking World Cup visa or travel assistance. The Authority has said it would cooperate with the police investigation.

The reported investigation has included questioning of Mr Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA officials by the Criminal Investigations Department, according to the Minority’s account. The allegations have not been established as fact.

The leadership change also follows President Mahama’s September 2 dissolution of the NSA governing board. The board, chaired by Dr Fred Awaah, was among nine state-institution boards dissolved by the President.

With Prof. Sarpong now in charge, the NSA faces the task of addressing administrative concerns while dealing with questions surrounding the maintenance and readiness of major facilities such as the Accra and Baba Yara stadia.

His appointment begins a new phase for the Authority, with public attention likely to remain on how the new leadership manages Ghana’s sports infrastructure and restores confidence in the administration of the country’s sporting facilities.