Minority asks Mahama to dismiss NSA boss over alleged $600k World Cup visa scandal

The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Mahama to dismiss the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, or require him to step aside pending investigations into an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This follows allegations that a private entity operated from an NSA facility to facilitate travel arrangements for prospective World Cup travellers, with some individuals allegedly paying as much as US$8,000.

Speaking to the media on Friday, September 18, 2026, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, said the arrangement reportedly generated about US$600,000 and raised questions about the role of the NSA.

“We have also received information that individuals were allegedly charged as much as eight thousand dollars each for the assistance with their travel arrangements and that posters advertising these services were prominently displayed at the NSU offices and around the stadium,” he said.

Mr. Assafuah questioned how a private entity was allowed to use a state sports facility for such activities and demanded clarity on who authorised the arrangement and how the funds were handled.

“The question is simple. Why was a private entity permitted to operate from a state sports facility to facilitate such transactions? Who authorized it? Who received the money? What service was actually provided and what happened to those who paid but did not get what they were promised?” he asked.

He further disclosed that the NSA Director-General and some staff have reportedly been appearing before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning over the alleged arrangement.

“There is a further development that makes this matter even more serious. The director general of the National Sports Authority and some staff have reportedly been appearing before the criminal investigation department for questioning over the alleged fraudulent World Cup visa facilitation arrangement,” he said.

Although the Minority said it was not prejudging the investigation, Mr. Assafuah maintained that the NSA boss should step aside while the matter is being investigated.

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