Suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is facing an investigation into an alleged visa facilitation scheme linked to people who intended to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The probe centres on claims that individuals seeking help with visa applications and travel arrangements for the tournament paid more than US$600,000 in total.
According to the Minority in Parliament, some applicants were allegedly asked to pay as much as US$8,000 as part of the arrangement.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah, together with other officials of the NSA, was subsequently questioned by security authorities as investigations into the allegations continued.
READ ALSO: Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA Director-General
The NSA, however, has rejected claims that it approved any scheme involving visa facilitation or the collection of money, while stating that its legal representatives are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
The investigation comes shortly after Mr Ampofo Ankrah was removed as Director-General of the NSA and Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong was named Acting Director-General.
Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has assumed responsibility for the Authority at a time when its activities are receiving increased scrutiny.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s removal came after President John Dramani Mahama dissolved the governing board of the NSA on September 2, 2026.
Although he served on the dissolved board, Mr Ampofo Ankrah remained responsible for the Authority’s daily administration following the board’s dissolution.
