The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) is investigating former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement involving people seeking to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The investigation follows allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from prospective travelers who sought assistance with visas and travel arrangements connected to the tournament.
The minority in Parliament has alleged that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000 under the arrangement. These claims remain subject to investigation and have not been established as fact.
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Mr Ankrah and other NSA officials have reportedly been questioned by security authorities as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme.
The NSA has denied authorizing any visa facilitation service or arrangement to collect money from members of the public seeking to attend the World Cup. The Authority has also said its legal team is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Ankrah Suspended as Prof. Sarpong Takes Over
The investigation comes alongside a leadership change at the NSA after President John Dramani Mahama suspended Mr Ankrah from his position as Director-General.
Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has subsequently been appointed Acting Director-General and will oversee the day-to-day administration of the Authority while the investigation continues.
Prof. Sarpong is an associate professor of physical education and sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). He also serves as the National Coordinator of the School and Grassroots Sports Secretariat under the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
His appointment comes as the NSA faces increased scrutiny over its administration and the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities.
Investigation Continues
The controversy surrounding the alleged visa arrangement emerged in September after claims that prospective World Cup travellers had been asked to pay significant amounts for assistance with visa and travel arrangements.
The Minority subsequently called for Mr Ankrah to be suspended or removed while investigations were ongoing, while the NSA rejected claims that it had authorized such an arrangement.
Mr. Ankrah’s suspension is an administrative measure and does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against him. He has also denied the allegations against him.
The leadership change follows President Mahama’s September 2 dissolution of the NSA’s governing board. Mr Ankrah, who was a member of the dissolved board, continued to oversee the Authority’s operations until his subsequent suspension.
The BNI investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to establish whether money was collected, who received the funds, and whether any public officials or institutions were involved in the alleged arrangement.
For now, the allegations remain under investigation, and no criminal liability has been established against Mr Ankrah or any other individual.
source: citinewsroom.com