Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has postponed his appearance before Parliament, saying he should not give evidence while a Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) inquiry into allegations linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains active.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah was removed from his post on 1 October 2026. He said appearing before Parliament before the investigation had been completed could disrupt the process of establishing the facts.
Explaining the decision, he said:
“In the circumstances, and while the investigation remains ongoing, it would be imprudent for Mr. Ampofo Ankrah to appear before Parliament in relation to matters that are presently the subject of the CID investigation.
“Such an appearance, while the investigative process remains active and Mr. Ampofo Ankrah is under suspension, could potentially prejudice or otherwise interfere with the ongoing investigation, create avoidable complications for the investigative process, and undermine the integrity of the process through which the relevant facts are being established.
“Mr. Ampofo Ankrah therefore considers it appropriate to defer any such appearance until the ongoing investigation has been concluded and the circumstances relating to his suspension have been appropriately determined by the competent authorities.”
Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee is seeking to reconvene to examine the administration and development of football in Ghana. The request was made under Order 266(5) of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
The committee’s proposed inquiry is expected to include Ghana’s preparations for and participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The NSA had been due to provide information about matters within its responsibility during the tournament, including its role in arrangements, stakeholder engagements, logistics and other administrative duties.
The planned hearing also follows allegations concerning visa and travel arrangements for people hoping to attend the World Cup.
More than US$600,000 was allegedly collected from prospective travellers seeking help with visa and travel arrangements, with some individuals reported to have paid as much as US$8,000.
The allegations involve an arrangement between the NSA and a private organisation identified as “TRIBE Culture Fest”, also known as “Strike First”.
More than 100 names were allegedly submitted to the United States and Canadian embassies. The fraud prevention unit at the US Embassy reportedly flagged the submissions.
Reports cited in the article say fewer than 15 of those listed were genuine NSA staff. Professional profiles were also allegedly created for journalists and other people who were not members of the Authority.
The alleged payments for visa processing slots reportedly ranged from US$8,000 to US$9,000 per person, with the total said to have exceeded US$600,000.
President John Mahama directed Mr Ampofo Ankrah to step aside, after which Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong was appointed acting Director-General of the NSA.
The CID investigation is continuing. Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s appearance before Parliament will now wait until the inquiry is concluded and the circumstances surrounding his suspension have been determined by the relevant authorities.
The committee’s proceedings form part of a wider examination of Ghana’s football administration and issues arising from the country’s involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
