Reports of a leadership change follow allegations over World Cup visa facilitation. The NSA denies authorizing the scheme, and the allegations do not establish guilt.
In a significant development within Ghana's sports administration, President John Dramani Mahama has removed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from his position as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA). This decision follows allegations of a controversial visa facilitation scheme linked to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy erupted after accusations surfaced that individuals desiring to attend the World Cup were required to pay substantial amounts for assistance with their visa and travel arrangements. Reports suggest that more than US$600,000 was allegedly collected through this scheme, with some individuals being charged as much as US$8,000.
The allegations triggered an immediate response from the Minority in Parliament, who demanded that Ampofo Ankrah be dismissed or suspended while investigations were carried out. They argued that his continued presence in office could impede the investigation, especially given that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had already been involved.
The NSA, on its part, firmly denied authorizing any such visa facilitation services or the collection of money from the public for World Cup travel. The Authority emphasized its commitment to transparency and confirmed that its legal team was cooperating fully with the police investigation.
This dismissal comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny on the NSA and occurs less than a month after President Mahama took decisive action by dissolving the NSA's governing board on September 2. Ampofo Ankrah was a key member of this board due to his role as Director-General.
The controversy has spotlighted the need for greater oversight and accountability within sports administration in Ghana, particularly concerning international events. As the investigation continues, the focus will be on ensuring transparency and restoring public trust in the NSA.
In conclusion, while the allegations remain under investigation, President Mahama's decision to dismiss Ampofo Ankrah underscores a commitment to addressing potential misconduct and maintaining integrity within Ghana's sports governance.
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