Suspended NSA Director-General says he will respect all lawful processes as lawyers urge restraint until investigations are concluded
Suspended Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has been advised by his legal team to excuse himself from appearing before Parliament over allegations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa controversy, pending the conclusion of an ongoing Criminal Investigations Department (CID) probe.
His lawyers, Brookman Amissah & Associates, said appearing before Parliament while the criminal investigation was active could potentially prejudice the process and create complications for investigators seeking to establish the facts.
The legal team, however, stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as an attempt by Mr Ampofo Ankrah to evade accountability or refuse to cooperate with state institutions.
In a statement issued on his behalf, the lawyers said their client remained committed to respecting lawful processes and would respond appropriately when required.
They explained that, given his current suspension and the ongoing CID investigation, it would be “imprudent” for him to appear before Parliament and make substantive comments on matters that were still under investigation.
‘Not a refusal to cooperate’
The lawyers were particularly emphatic that Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s position was a legal precaution rather than a rejection of Parliament’s authority.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this position should not be interpreted as a refusal to submit to any lawful process or to account to any constitutionally mandated institution,” they stated.
According to the legal team, the decision was intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent any statement or appearance from inadvertently interfering with the process.
They further indicated that should the suspension be lifted and Mr Ampofo Ankrah restored to his position, he would respond appropriately to any lawful summons.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah has already appeared before the CID and denied the allegations levelled against him.
Ampofo Ankrah maintains innocence
The controversy follows allegations that large sums of money were collected from prospective Ghanaian travellers seeking assistance with visas and travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Some reports have alleged that applicants paid thousands of dollars in connection with the proposed travel arrangements.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s legal position, however, remains that an investigation should be allowed to run its course before conclusions are drawn about his conduct.
His lawyers have therefore urged the media and the public to exercise restraint, stressing that the commencement of an investigation does not amount to a finding of guilt.
“It is important to emphasise that the fact that an investigation is underway does not, in itself, constitute a finding or determination of wrongdoing against Mr Ampofo Ankrah or any other person,” the lawyers said.
Petition triggers investigation
The allegations were reportedly formally brought before the CID through a petition by the NSA’s Chief Operating Officer, Gyamfi Kusi Awere.
Portions of the petition, which have been publicly discussed, contain allegations concerning Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s purported relationship with Nana Boateng Gyimah, popularly known as Nana Tribe, the Chief Executive Officer of Tribe Culture Fest.
Among other claims, the petition alleges that prospective World Cup travellers were directed to Nana Gyimah in connection with visa and travel arrangements.
Mr Ampofo Ankrah has denied wrongdoing, while the NSA has maintained that it did not authorise any visa facilitation arrangement or the collection of money from members of the public for World Cup visas.
The precise circumstances surrounding the alleged payments and the roles of the individuals involved remain subject to investigation.
Suspension
President John Dramani Mahama suspended Mr Ampofo Ankrah on October 1, 2026, pending investigations into the allegations.
His suspension followed the earlier dissolution of the NSA governing board as part of broader changes at the Authority.
Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba, has since been appointed Acting Director-General of the NSA.
Meanwhile, investigations by the relevant state security agencies are expected to establish whether money was collected from prospective World Cup travellers, the recipients of any such funds, the representations made to applicants and whether any public official or institution was involved.
‘Let the facts speak’
For Mr Ampofo Ankrah and his legal team, the central issue is that the allegations must be subjected to due process before any conclusion is reached.
The lawyers have confirmed that he has cooperated with the authorities and will continue to do so.
They said their client would refrain from substantive public commentary on the matters under investigation until the appropriate authorities complete their work.
At the appropriate time, they added, Mr Ampofo Ankrah and his legal representatives would respond to the findings and address any issues requiring clarification.
The stance effectively places the burden on the investigative authorities to establish the facts, while Mr Ampofo Ankrah seeks to avoid a parallel public trial before the conclusion of the formal process.
As the controversy continues to attract public attention, the outcome of the investigations will be crucial in determining whether the allegations against the suspended NSA Director-General have substance or whether, as his legal team maintains, they remain unproven claims requiring careful examination.
