NSA boss Ankrah denies receiving money in World Cup visa scandal as CID probe deepens

The lawyer representing Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the suspended Director-General of the National Sports Authority, has strongly denied that his client received any payments in connection with an alleged visa facilitation scandal linked to Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup participation.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, October 10, Jerry Avernugbor declared that Ankrah has maintained his innocence throughout intensive questioning by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The attorney emphasised that both he and his client have been cooperating fully with investigators over the past week, attending multiple interview sessions at CID headquarters.

The core denial

Avernugbor was categorical in his statement to the public: his client has categorically not accepted money from any applicants seeking World Cup-related visas. He stressed that Ankrah has not been involved in any financial transactions tied to visa applications, contrary to allegations circulating publicly.

The lawyer acknowledged that documents exist relating to the investigation, but cautioned against drawing premature conclusions from materials that have leaked into public discourse. He argued that the full context and circumstances surrounding these documents could lead to significantly different interpretations than what observers might assume based on incomplete information.

According to Avernugbor, his client's involvement with a company in question stemmed from an introduction made by a representative at the United States Embassy, who presented the organisation as a legitimate entity. Ankrah subsequently designated an assistant to serve as the point of contact after the embassy reportedly requested one.

What this means for the NSA and Ghana's World Cup preparations

The suspension of Ankrah comes at a sensitive time for Ghana's football administration. The NSA plays a central role in coordinating national sports matters, including logistical and administrative support for major international tournaments. A scandal involving World Cup visa arrangements threatens to damage Ghana's reputation with FIFA and host nations, potentially complicating the country's participation in one of world sport's biggest events.

Such allegations also raise questions about governance and oversight within Ghana's sports institutions. If wrongdoing is established, it could prompt calls for systemic reforms in how visas and tournament-related logistics are managed for future international competitions.

Investigation continues as pressure mounts

The CID's ongoing investigation is expected to determine whether money actually changed hands and, if so, who benefited. Avernugbor signalled openness to accepting the law's judgment, stating that should his client be found guilty following proper investigation, he accepts that legal consequences would follow.

The lawyer called on the public and media to allow the investigative process to run its course before drawing conclusions. He noted that what may appear incriminating in partial documents could be clarified once the full evidentiary picture emerges.

The investigation will need to establish who paid money in connection with visa applications and whether Ankrah or anyone else in the NSA structure benefited from such payments. Until the CID concludes its work, Ankrah remains suspended from his position, creating uncertainty about sports authority leadership during a critical period for Ghana's international sporting commitments.