President Mahama sacks NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

President John Dramani Mahama has sacked National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah following mounting scrutiny over the management of Ghana's sporting facilities and an ongoing police investigation into a potential World Cup visa scheme. This decision was made just a month after Mahama dissolved the NSA's 15-member governing board on September 2nd, 2026, citing governance reforms and concerns over the condition of key venues like Accra and Baba Yara stadia.

Despite the board's disbandment, Ampofo Ankrah continued to manage the Authority's operations temporarily. However, the pressure on him escalated when parliamentary Minority members alleged that around $600,000–$623,000 was collected from individuals seeking assistance with travel and visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Some applicants reportedly paid up to $8,000 for these services. Promotional materials for this arrangement were also displayed at NSA offices and stadium facilities, leading to a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) inquiry involving Ampofo Ankrah and several NSA officials.

The NSA has denied any involvement in authorizing visa facilitation or the collection of money, stating that their legal team is cooperating with the police investigation. Ampofo Ankrah's termination signifies another leadership shift at the NSA as the government faces mounting pressure to tackle infrastructure deficits, facility management, and administrative accountability within the sports sector. The NSA board will be reconstituted "in due course," while the visa-related allegations are still under investigation.