Mahama Removes NSA Director-General Amid Visa Scam Probe and Stadium Decay

President John Dramani Mahama has terminated the appointment of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), following mounting pressure over alleged financial misconduct and the deteriorating condition of Ghana's major sporting facilities. The decision marks the latest in a series of actions aimed at addressing governance failures within Ghana's sports administration.

Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been appointed Acting Director-General to lead the troubled agency. His appointment comes at a critical juncture as the NSA faces police investigation into claims that officials orchestrated an illegal visa facilitation scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Visa Scheme Allegations

The NSA has been engulfed in controversy following allegations that the Authority collected over US$600,000 from individuals seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the World Cup. Reports indicate that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000 for these services. The Minority in Parliament intensified pressure on Ampofo Ankrah's leadership in September, demanding his suspension or dismissal over the allegations.

Although Mr Ampofo Ankrah and other NSA officials were questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department as part of the inquiry, the NSA has consistently denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme. The Authority's legal team has stated it is cooperating with the police investigation, while maintaining the allegations are unfounded.

Decaying Infrastructure and Governance Crisis

Ampofo Ankrah's removal also reflects broader concerns about Ghana's sports infrastructure management. The Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium have faced persistent scrutiny over their condition and suitability to host major international events. These facilities have deteriorated significantly, raising questions about the NSA's capacity to manage and maintain the country's sporting assets effectively.

The director-general's exit follows President Mahama's decision on September 2, 2026, to dissolve the NSA's entire governing board. Despite the board's dissolution, Ampofo Ankrah continued overseeing the Authority's day-to-day operations until his formal removal, a period during which scrutiny over management practices intensified considerably.

What This Means for Ghana's Sports Administration

The leadership change signals the government's acknowledgement that significant reforms are needed within Ghana's sports sector. Professor Sarpong's appointment brings academic expertise in sports management to the NSA, but he inherits an organisation facing multiple challenges simultaneously: a police investigation, deteriorating infrastructure, and damaged public trust.

The removal of Ampofo Ankrah and appointment of an interim leadership represents an attempt to reset the NSA's direction. However, Ghana's sporting community and citizens will be watching closely to see whether Professor Sarpong's tenure produces tangible improvements in facility management, financial accountability, and operational transparency. The resolution of the ongoing police investigation and any subsequent actions will be crucial in restoring confidence in Ghana's sports administration and ensuring the integrity of national sporting institutions going forward.

For Ghanaians invested in the country's sporting development, the changes present an opportunity for institutional renewal—but also underscore the deep governance challenges that have undermined Ghana's ability to maintain world-class sporting infrastructure.