National Sports Authority

Also known as: National Sports Authority (Bono Region)

Government authority responsible for managing Ghana's sports facilities and administering sports governance, currently led by Acting Director-General Emmanuel Osei Sarpong following the suspension of predecessor Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

2026-05-042026-10-07

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

October 2026
2 OctThe Ghanaian Times
Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. …
Prof Osei Sarpong appointed acting NSA boss
1 OctJoy Online
Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah says he is disappointed by his removal from office, but insists he remains calm with the decision. …
‘I am disappointed’ – Yaw Ampofo Ankrah breaks silence after NSA suspension
1 OctJoy Online
Lawyer for former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has rejected allegations linking his client to a scheme that allegedly collected money from Ghanaians seeking visa and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …
Ampofo Ankrah did not collect World Cup visa money – Lawyer
1 OctJoy Online
The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) is investigating suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over an alleged visa facilitation scheme involving individuals seeking to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …
BNI investigates Ampofo Ankrah over alleged $623,000 World Cup visa scheme
1 OctJoy Online
Ranking Member of Parliament for the Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, says the removal of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah should not be treated as the end of accountability over the controversy surrounding the alleged World Cup …
Ankrah’s removal should not end accountability over World Cup visa controversy – Ekow Assafuah
1 OctJoy Online
Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah by President John Dramani Mahama. …
Prof. Emmanuel Sarpong replaces Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as National Sports Authority boss
1 OctJoy Online
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has been suspended from his position as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), following controversy over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA Director-General amid World Cup visa controversy
1 OctThe Ghanaian Times
… The National Sports Authority (NSA), Volta Region, also commended the athletes and described the maiden event as the beginning of bigger opportunities for hill running and athletics in the region. …
Hundreds participate in Godwin Adukpo’s Ho Hills Challenge
September 2026
30 SeptThe Ghanaian Times
… The Bono Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr Kwame Baah, commended the company for consistently organising the football gala to provide an avenue for talent identification and development. …
16 c’nities competing in 2026 MTN Inter-C’nity Football Gala
28 SeptThe Ghanaian Times
… The Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Nana Gyaama Dakwa, pledged the Authority’s support for the campaign and encouraged more schools to participate. …
GTF launches awareness campaign to take sport to schools

Politics

Parliament committee chair urges politicians to avoid World Cup visa probe interference

The News

Ernest Norgbey, Chairman of Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee, has urged politicians to stay out of the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding Ghana's World Cup travel arrangements and approximately $623,000 in visa facilitation fees. He said investigative agencies should be allowed to conduct their work without political pressure or commentary.

1 hour ago · Joy Online →

Today

Parliament committee chair urges politicians to avoid World Cup visa probe interference
Ernest Norgbey, Chairman of Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee, has urged politicians to stay out of the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding Ghana's World Cup travel arrangements and approximately $623,000 in visa facilitation fees. He said investigative agencies should be allowed to conduct their work without political pressure or commentary.
1 hour ago · Joy Online →
Minority calls for Sports Minister dismissal over World Cup visa fraud
The Minority Spokesperson on Sports has called on President Mahama to dismiss the Minister for Sports and Recreation and other officials over alleged irregularities in visa arrangements for the 2026 World Cup, following the removal of the NSA Director-General. The allegations include the creation of fake portfolios for non-staff members to travel to the World Cup, with the scheme allegedly uncovered by the U.S. Embassy fraud prevention unit, and claims that out of 50 media slots, only two were given to genuine media personnel while the remaining 48 were allegedly sold.
4 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →
Parliament Minority accuses Sports Ministry of creating fake staff portfolios
The Minority in Parliament alleged that the Sports Ministry and National Sports Authority created non-existent staff portfolios for visa applicants, charging them $8,000–$9,000 and misrepresenting them to foreign diplomatic missions. A ranking member of Parliament's Sports Committee cited a letter claiming one applicant was falsely presented as board secretary to the NSA.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
Minority calls for wider probe into World Cup visa irregularities
Ghana's Minority in Parliament has welcomed the removal of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah but says it must be followed by a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities in 2026 FIFA World Cup visa arrangements, suggesting the matter involves multiple institutional actors beyond the removed official.
8 hours ago · Joy Online →

Monday 5 October

Team Ghana departs for Angola Karting Africa Trophy
Team Ghana has departed Accra for Angola to compete in the 2026 Karting Africa Trophy, with races scheduled for October 10 and 11 in Benguela. The team comprises senior driver Jihad Armand and junior drivers Khloé Kusi-Asomah and Ezra Stephens, racing alongside 14 other countries.
5 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Football governance in Ghana faces accountability and transparency gaps
This editorial argues that Ghana's football governance is undermined by overlapping mandates, weak accountability structures, and poor financial transparency at the GFA, and notes that recent reforms focused only on coaching while sidelining issues like women's football, youth development, and the role of the National Sports Authority.
5 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 3 October

NSA needs help managing Ghana's sports facilities alone
Former NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah says the authority requires additional support to effectively manage Ghana's stadia and sporting facilities, noting that the NSA cannot be expected to handle them all on its own.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Former NSA chief describes intense pressure of leading sports authority
Former National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has described the demands of the role as "constant and unrelenting," acknowledging the intense pressure that comes with leading the authority. Ampofo Ankrah, who was asked to step aside in October 2026 pending investigations into a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressed that the position leaves little room for excuses.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Newsfile livestream covers EOCO MP investigation and national issues
JoyNews' Newsfile will examine the Economic and Organised Crime Office's investigation into Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on charges including criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and tax offences, alongside discussions on drug trafficking, teachers' strike, and Ghana's sports crisis.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Newsfile examines EOCO arrest of Manhyia South MP and national crises
JoyNews' Newsfile examined the EOCO investigation into Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, involving alleged criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering and tax-related offences, alongside discussions of drug trafficking concerns, the teachers' strike, and Ghana's sports administration upheaval.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 2 October

Prof Osei Sarpong appointed acting NSA director-general
Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba, has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. Prof. Sarpong brings experience in sports science, education and sports administration, and was previously considered for the NSA Director-General role in January 2025.
2 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Thursday 1 October

NSA Director suspended over alleged FIFA World Cup visa arrangement
National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was suspended by President John Mahama on October 1 following controversy over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in which about US$623,000 was allegedly received from prospective travellers. Ampofo Ankrah said he is disappointed by his removal and was not given the opportunity to explain his side of the matter.
1 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Former NSA chief denies involvement in World Cup visa scheme
Lawyer for former National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah denies allegations that his client collected money from Ghanaians seeking visa and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The allegations centre on claims that more than US$600,000 was collected from prospective travellers, with some charged up to US$8,000, and the matter is under investigation by the Economic Crime Unit of the Police Headquarters.
1 October 2026 · Joy Online →
BNI investigates NSA chief over alleged World Cup visa scheme
The Bureau of National Investigations is investigating suspended National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from people seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with some applicants reportedly charged as much as US$8,000. Mr Ampofo Ankrah and other NSA officials have been questioned by security authorities, and the NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation scheme.
1 October 2026 · Joy Online →
NSA chief's removal insufficient without minister accountability—Assafuah
Ranking Member Vincent Ekow Assafuah says the removal of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over an alleged World Cup visa scheme that collected about US$623,000 should not end accountability; he argues the Sports and Recreation Minister must also be held responsible for his role in the matter.
1 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Prof. Emmanuel Sarpong appointed acting NSA director-general
Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah by President John Dramani Mahama. The suspension is administrative pending a Criminal Investigation Department investigation into allegations surrounding the authority.
1 October 2026 · Joy Online →
NSA Director-General suspended over World Cup visa controversy
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has been suspended as Director-General of the National Sports Authority following allegations that about US$623,000 was received from prospective World Cup travellers seeking visa and travel assistance. The matter has triggered a police investigation, with Mr Ankrah denying the allegations.
1 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Hundreds compete in inaugural Ho Hills Challenge race
Hundreds of athletes participated in the maiden Godwin Adukpo Hill Challenge, a 10-kilometre race held in Ho on Saturday, with the youngest finishers aged six and eight. The event was designed to revive long-distance running in the Volta Region and create opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents.
1 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Wednesday 30 September

16 community teams compete in 2026 MTN Inter-Community Football Gala
Sixteen community teams are participating in the 2026 MTN Inter-Community Football Gala at the Twene Amanfo Senior High School Park in Sunyani, Bono Region. The three-week event, organized by MTN Ghana in partnership with Sun City Radio, runs from September 26 to October 11 and features football competition alongside music, culture, sports and health activities.
30 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Monday 28 September

GTF launches Taekwondo awareness campaign in five regions
The Ghana Taekwondo Federation has launched an awareness campaign targeting the Ashanti, Northern, Upper West, Bono and Central regions to introduce more school children to Taekwondo and identify young talent. The campaign aims to promote the sport's benefits including discipline, physical fitness, self-defence and confidence while creating pathways for promising athletes to progress to regional and national competition.
28 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Saturday 26 September

Ghana Taekwondo Federation launches five-region youth campaign
About 500 schoolchildren from 10 private schools in the Ashanti Region participated in the launch of a Ghana Taekwondo Federation campaign to take the sport into schools and communities across five regions—Ashanti, Northern, Upper West, Bono and Central. The initiative aims to increase access to the sport, identify young talent early, and promote discipline, physical fitness, self-defence and confidence among children.
26 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 22 September

U.S. Embassy trains nearly 300 girls, 50 coaches through football
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana used football to strengthen bilateral relations through its Sports Envoy programme, training nearly 300 female student-athletes and 50 coaches in leadership and sporting development across Tamale, Kumasi and Accra. The initiative featured former U.S. professional athletes including Women's National Team player Amy Griffin and MLS defender Kofi Sarkodie.
22 September 2026 · The Chronicle →

Monday 21 September

Parliament's Youth Committee has not formally received visa scandal allegations
Chairman Ernest Norgbey says allegations about the National Sports Authority's involvement in facilitating World Cup-related visas have not been formally referred to Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee, and the committee cannot rely on unverified social media reports. The Minority has called for the dismissal of NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over the allegations.
21 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 20 September

Ghana's Constituency Games initiative remains under development
Ghana's proposed Constituency Games, intended to create a structured pathway for young athletes from community-level competition to regional and national championships, remain a work in progress, according to Sports Minister Kofi Adams. The initiative aims to identify and develop talent in football, athletics, boxing and para-sports, while also training young people in coaching, officiating and sports media, though consultations continue on access and inclusion for athletes outside Accra.
20 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana enters international motorsport with karting team in Angola
Ghana will compete for the first time on the international motorsport stage when a three-driver team participates in the Karting Africa Showrun in Benguela, Angola on 10 and 11 October 2026. Senior driver Jihad Armand will be joined by junior drivers Khloé Kusi-Asomah (11) and Ezra Stephens (9), with the event bringing together 39 drivers from across Africa.
20 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 19 September

Some dissolved NSA board members could be reappointed
Sports Minister Kofi Adams has indicated that when the National Sports Authority's dissolved 15-member board is reconstituted, some former members may be reappointed based on their expertise or renomination by their represented institutions. President John Mahama dissolved the NSA board on September 2, 2026, alongside boards of eight other state institutions.
19 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 18 September

Minority demands NSA chief's suspension over World Cup visa money claims
Ghana's Parliamentary Minority is calling for the suspension or dismissal of the National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over allegations that more than $600,000 was collected for 2026 FIFA World Cup visa facilitation. The NSA has denied involvement in the money collection, though a petition has been submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department.
18 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 17 September

Western Regional Minister hails Sekondi Stadium rehabilitation progress
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has expressed satisfaction with the rehabilitation work at Sekondi Sports Stadium and called on the National Sports Authority and Ministry of Sports and Recreation to develop a sustainable utilisation and revenue-generation strategy to prevent the facility from deteriorating again after completion.
17 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Sekondi Stadium must avoid returning to neglect
An editorial argues that after renovation of the Sekondi Sports Stadium at a cost of $3.1 million, authorities must ensure sustainable management and maintenance to prevent the facility from deteriorating again, and calls for a viable utilisation and revenue-generation plan.
17 September 2026 · The Chronicle →

Wednesday 16 September

Sekondi Stadium rehabilitation complete, but maintenance key challenge
Sekondi Sports Stadium has undergone rehabilitation and is showing visible improvements after years of neglect and deterioration. Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson cautioned that maintaining the facility through proper utilisation plans will be critical to prevent it from falling back into disrepair.
16 September 2026 · The Chronicle →