Suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah says he is “200%” certain the Presidency will exonerate him over allegations linked to a World Cup visa facilitation arrangement.
Ankrah was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, October 1, after claims emerged concerning assistance offered to prospective travellers seeking visas and travel arrangements for the tournament.
The allegations centre on about US$623,000 reportedly collected from people hoping to attend the global showpiece. Around 90 prospective travellers are said to have paid between $10,000 and $15,000 each, but only five secured visas.
Ankrah has denied any wrongdoing and repeated his claim of innocence while attending Ghana’s Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier against Nigeria.
“I’m 200% confident that I’ll be exonerated,” he said.
He also urged caution over unverified claims and called on journalists to check their sources before reporting on the case.
“People should be very cautious about what they put out there that they cannot verify,” Ankrah said, urging the media to report developments professionally.
He said the investigation had so far progressed without difficulty and that the parties involved were awaiting its conclusion.
“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.
Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority during Ankrah’s suspension.
