Former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah says he expects to be cleared of wrongdoing in an investigation into alleged financial irregularities connected to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ampofo Ankrah was suspended after allegations that about $623,000 had been collected from prospective travellers seeking help with visa applications and travel arrangements for the tournament.
The suspension was ordered by President John Dramani Mahama while inquiries into alleged visa racketeering and financial impropriety continued.
Ampofo Ankrah said he respected the investigative process and would wait for the official findings before making further comments on the allegations.
“I’m 200% confident that I’ll be exonerated,” he said.
He also called on the media and members of the public to avoid circulating claims that had not been verified.
“People should be very cautious about what they put out there that they cannot verify,” he said, urging journalists to check their sources and report the matter professionally.
Ampofo Ankrah said the investigation had so far proceeded smoothly and confirmed that he was prepared to assist the authorities.
“I’m very happy that so far the investigations have gone very smoothly, and we’re just waiting for the final report to be released,” he added.
He said he had appeared before the police on two occasions and would submit any additional information requested by investigators.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service opened the investigation into the allegations, which have attracted considerable public attention.
The case concerns alleged payments made in connection with travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with investigators expected to establish how the money was received and whether any wrongdoing took place.
Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension remains in place while the inquiry continues. No final findings on the allegations have been stated in the information available.
Following his removal from the role, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong was appointed Acting Director-General of the NSA.
Ampofo Ankrah has not admitted any wrongdoing and has said he will allow the authorities to complete their work before commenting further.
