Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA) following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
Ampofo Ankrah was suspended on Thursday, 1 October, amid allegations of involvement in a visa facilitation scheme linked to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Prof Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), takes charge of the NSA at a time of increased scrutiny over the management of the country’s sports facilities and administration.
He brings experience in sports science, education and sports administration, having previously worked as a lecturer and sports administrator at UEW.
Prof Sarpong has also held a number of national sports-related positions and was a member of the NSA’s 2025-26 Governing Board before President John Dramani Mahama dissolved the board in September.
His appointment returns him to the centre of discussions over the leadership of the Authority. In January 2025, reports identified Prof Sarpong as one of the candidates being considered for the substantive Director-General position amid calls from sections of Ghana’s sporting community for a sports professional with technical expertise to lead the NSA.
His academic work focuses on exercise and sports science, with expertise in physical activity, sports performance and athlete development.
He currently serves as Dean of Student Affairs at UEW, according to the National Teaching Council.
Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension follows allegations surrounding a World Cup visa facilitation scheme involving people seeking to travel to the tournament.
The NSA has previously denied authorising any such scheme.
Prof Sarpong is expected to oversee the Authority while the circumstances surrounding Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension are investigated.
