Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has not been dismissed, but has been asked to step aside while investigations continue into alleged fraud linked to World Cup visa arrangements.
Adams said the administrative decision should not be mistaken for the termination of Ankrah’s appointment, stressing that the allegations remain under investigation and that multiple inquiries are being conducted to establish what happened.
“Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has not been sacked; he has been asked to step aside. There are layers of investigations,” the minister said.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is examining the alleged fraud involving the NSA, which is responsible for managing and overseeing public sports facilities and supporting sporting activities in Ghana.
Investigators are expected to consider how the visa arrangements were organised, who was involved and the procedures used to handle the transactions. The inquiries will seek to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any wrongdoing took place.
Adams’ comments suggest that authorities intend to allow the investigative process to continue while maintaining an interim administrative measure. Asking Ankrah to step aside is therefore separate from formally removing him from his position.
The case has brought increased scrutiny to the NSA as the CID and other investigative bodies examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged World Cup visa fraud. However, no finding of individual responsibility has been made, and the allegations remain subject to the outcome of the investigations.
The minister’s clarification also highlights the distinction between an administrative action and a final decision arising from a criminal inquiry. For now, the focus remains on the CID’s work and the other investigations being pursued to establish the facts.