Accra:The Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has been dismissed from his position amid allegations of involvement in a visa facilitation fraud linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Ghana Web, allegations have surfaced that certain individuals within the NSA received approximately US$623,000 from the public to facilitate FIFA World Cup visas. Journalists have reported that Ampofo Ankrah was implicated in these issues and received substantial commissions.
Ghanaian journalist Muftawu Nabila shared details from a petition submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service by the NSA's Chief Operating Officer, Gyamfi Kusi Awere, who has also reportedly been dismissed. Nabila revealed that Ankrah introduced Awere to Nana Boateng Gyimah, CEO of Tribe Culture Fest, purportedly to facilitate visa processes for the 2026 World Cup. Awere alleged in the petition that he was instructed to coordinate with Gyimah, who facilitated visas for NSA staff and other interested parties.
The petition detailed that payments were collected from applicants and forwarded to Gyimah. It was claimed that commissions, amounting to $56,000 each, were paid to both Ankrah and Awere from Gyimah. The petition further highlighted that not all applicants received their visas, prompting demands for refunds.
Journalist Raymond Nyamador called for a thorough investigation, warning that the situation could become a significant scandal affecting the Mahama administration. He urged authorities to seek detailed information from him.
The NSA has confirmed that the CID is investigating the matter and has pledged full cooperation. Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has demanded the removal of Ankrah, urging President John Dramani Mahama to either dismiss him or have him step aside during the investigation.
Ampofo Ankrah has expressed disappointment over the handling of the situation, emphasizing his willingness to cooperate with the investigations. He stated that he has not been officially dismissed but has been asked to step aside pending the outcome of the probe.