The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate suspension or dismissal of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah amid allegations surrounding an alleged US$623,000 visa facilitation scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The call follows a petition reportedly filed with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on September 8, 2026, concerning money allegedly collected from members of the public who were promised assistance in securing visas to travel for the tournament.
According to the Minority, the allegations warrant the removal of the NSA’s leadership, at least temporarily, while investigations are conducted. Minority spokesperson and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, said Mr Ampofo Ankrah should step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Minority alleges that some individuals were charged amounts reportedly reaching US$8,000 for travel-related assistance and that promotional materials for the purported service were displayed at NSA offices and around the stadium. The caucus has also raised concerns about the approximately US$600,000 reportedly generated through the arrangement.
NSA denies involvement
The NSA has strongly rejected the allegations.
In a statement issued on September 15, the Authority said it had neither established nor authorised an office at the stadium for collecting money or facilitating visas for World Cup travellers. It also denied authorising any visa-related activities of the kind alleged.
The Authority further clarified its relationship with TRIBE FEST, describing the organisation as a FIFA-licensed partner whose collaboration with the NSA and other stakeholders was limited to fan-experience activities, World Cup viewing events and event mobilisation.
According to the NSA, that partnership did not authorise TRIBE FEST, any NSA employee or any other person to collect money on behalf of the Authority for the procurement of visas.
Police investigation expected to establish facts
The NSA said it is aware of reports that a petition has been submitted to the CID but maintained that it had not yet been formally notified of the full particulars of the petition.
The Authority has nevertheless pledged to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation and said the Director-General and other officials would make themselves available to assist the police if invited.
The NSA has also cautioned against treating the allegations as established facts before investigations are completed. It said that if credible evidence establishes wrongdoing by an employee, official or third party, those responsible should be dealt with according to law.
For now, the allegations remain subject to investigation, with the Minority pressing for leadership changes at the NSA while the Authority maintains that it did not authorise the alleged visa operation.
