Minority calls for NSA boss Ampofo Ankrah, others to be dismissed over alleged 2026 World Cup visa fraud

The Minority in Parliament is calling for the immediate dismissal or suspension of the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, over alleged fraud involving a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Minority said its demand follows reports that Mr Ampofo Ankrah and some NSA staff have been invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning in connection with the arrangement, which reportedly generated about $600,000.

Addressing journalists, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, alleged that some individuals were charged as much as $8,000 for assistance with their travel arrangements.

He claimed that promotional materials advertising the service were displayed at NSA offices and around the stadium, raising questions about the authority’s involvement in the arrangement.

According to Mr Assafuah, the scheme involved a private entity operating with the support of the NSA, prompting the Minority to question why a private organisation was allowed to use a state-owned sports facility for such activities.

“Our caucus further raised questions about approximately $600,000 reportedly realized from this arrangement. The question is simple. Why was a private entity permitted to operate from a state sports facility to facilitate such transactions? Who authorised it?” he asked.

The Ranking Member also demanded clarification on who collected the money, the services that were offered in exchange for the payments and the fate of individuals who allegedly paid for the service but did not receive the assistance promised.

He said reports that the NSA Director-General and some staff had been questioned by the CID had heightened the need for clarity on the matter.

Mr Assafuah, however, stressed that the Minority was not seeking to determine the guilt of any individual before the conclusion of the investigation.

“We are not prejudging the outcome of the investigation. And we will not declare anyone guilty before the facts are established,” he said.

Despite this position, Mr Assafuah argued that the NSA Director-General should step aside while the investigation continues, particularly because the allegations relate to activities reportedly undertaken within or around the authority.

“We therefore call on the President to dismiss the Director General of the National Sports Authority with immediate effect, or at the very least, require him to step aside pending the conclusion of the investigation,” he said.