Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA).
Prof. Sarpong assumes responsibility for the Authority following President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to remove Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from the position on Thursday, October 1, 2026. His appointment comes at a time when the management of Ghana’s sports infrastructure and the administration of the NSA are attracting increased public attention.
The change in leadership brings Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s approximately 18-month spell at the helm of the NSA to an end. He assumed the position in March 2025 and had come under scrutiny over a number of issues relating to the management and maintenance of sports facilities across the country.
Prof. Sarpong already has links with the NSA, having previously served on its Governing Board before President Mahama dissolved the board on September 2, 2026. During his time on the board, he also chaired its Technical Committee. The board had been inaugurated in December 2025.
The new Acting Director-General brings experience in physical education, sports science, sports administration and athlete development to the position. At UEW, he serves as Dean of Students Affairs and is attached to the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports. He has also undertaken national responsibilities in sports development, including work as National Coordinator for School and Grassroots Sports.
His appointment comes against the backdrop of an ongoing police investigation into allegations concerning an alleged visa facilitation arrangement connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The NSA has denied authorising any such visa facilitation or money-collection arrangement and has said its legal team is cooperating with the investigation. The allegations remain under investigation and do not, by themselves, establish criminal liability against Mr Ampofo Ankrah or any other individual.
Prof. Sarpong now takes charge of the NSA as attention remains focused on the management of Ghana’s sporting facilities and the broader administration of the Authority. His immediate role will be to oversee the day-to-day running of the NSA while the government considers its next steps regarding the Authority’s substantive leadership and governing board.
