Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), following the removal of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from the position.
Prof Sarpong takes over the administration of the Authority at a time of heightened scrutiny over Ghana’s sports infrastructure and management.
His appointment follows President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to remove Mr Ampofo Ankrah as NSA Director-General on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The development brings Mr Ankrah’s tenure at the Authority to an end after about 18 months in office.
Prof Sarpong is no stranger to the NSA, having served as a member of its Governing Board before President Mahama dissolved the board on September 2, 2026. He also served as Chairman of the Board’s Technical Committee.
He brings extensive experience in physical education, sports science, sports administration and athlete development to his new role.
At UEW, he is the Dean of Students Affairs and is attached to the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports.
Prof Sarpong has also held national responsibilities in sports development, including serving as Ghana’s National Coordinator for School Sports and participating in the Games and Technical Committee.
His appointment comes less than a month after the dissolution of the previous NSA Governing Board, which included Mr Ankrah and Prof Sarpong. The dissolved board had been inaugurated in December 2025.
Mr Ankrah’s removal also comes amid an ongoing police investigation into allegations surrounding an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NSA has denied authorising any such visa facilitation or money-collection arrangement and said its legal team was cooperating with the police investigation.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and have not established criminal liability against Mr Ankrah or any other person.
Prof Sarpong therefore assumes responsibility for the NSA at a critical time, with the Authority facing renewed attention over the management and maintenance of major sporting facilities, including the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
His immediate task will be to oversee the day-to-day administration of the Authority while the government considers the next substantive leadership and the reconstitution of the NSA Governing Board.
