Former NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah defers appearance before Parliament over ongoing CID investigation

Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has deferred his planned appearance before Parliament, citing an ongoing investigation by the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) into allegations linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mr Ampofo Ankrah, who was removed from his position on 1 October 2026, says appearing before Parliament while the investigation remains active could interfere with the process of establishing the facts.

In a statement explaining his 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.”

The decision comes as Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee seeks to reconvene to examine concerns surrounding 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 and is expected to cover a number of issues, including Ghana's preparations for and participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The National Sports Authority was expected to appear before the committee to provide information on matters falling within its mandate during the tournament.

Among the areas of interest are the NSA's role in the World Cup arrangements, engagements with stakeholders, logistics and other administrative responsibilities connected to Ghana's participation.

The committee's proposed sitting also comes amid allegations surrounding visa and travel arrangements for individuals seeking to attend the World Cup.

According to the allegations contained in the article, more than US$600,000 was collected from prospective travellers seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements, with some individuals allegedly paying as much as US$8,000.

The allegations centre on an arrangement involving the NSA and a private entity identified as "TRIBE Culture Fest", also referred to as "Strike First".

It is alleged that more than 100 names were submitted to the United States and Canadian embassies as part of the arrangements. The fraud prevention unit at the US Embassy reportedly flagged the submissions.

Reports cited in the article indicate that fewer than 15 of those listed were genuine NSA staff, while professional profiles were allegedly created for journalists and other individuals who were not members of the Authority.

The alleged payments reportedly ranged between US$8,000 and US$9,000 per person for visa processing slots, with the total amount said to have exceeded US$600,000.

Following a directive from President John Mahama for Mr Ampofo Ankrah to step aside, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong was appointed acting Director-General of the NSA.

The CID is continuing its investigation into the allegations.

Mr Ampofo Ankrah's decision means his appearance before Parliament will be deferred until the investigation is completed and the circumstances surrounding his suspension have been determined by the relevant authorities.

The Parliament committee's interest in the matter forms part of a wider examination of Ghana's football administration and issues arising from the country's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.