By Ishmeal Ntakor 
The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) is reportedly investigating former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over an alleged visa facilitation scheme linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The investigation follows allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from prospective travellers seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament.
The Minority in Parliament has alleged that some applicants were charged as much as US$8,000 each under the arrangement. However, the allegations have not been established as fact.
Ampofo Ankrah and other NSA officials have reportedly been questioned as part of investigations into the matter.
The NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection scheme. The Authority has said its legal team is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Ampofo Ankrah’s lawyer, Jerry Avenorgbor, has also denied his client’s involvement in the alleged scheme. He says Ampofo Ankrah did not collect money from people seeking visa assistance.
The lawyer has further disputed reports that the BNI is handling the investigation, saying the matter is being investigated by the Economic Crime Unit at the Ghana Police Service Headquarters.
The investigation comes on the same day Ampofo Ankrah was removed from his position as NSA Director-General. Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has since been appointed Acting Director-General of the Authority.
The alleged visa arrangement reportedly involved individuals seeking to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup. Questions remain over who collected the money, what services were promised and whether any public officials or institutions were involved.
For now, the allegations remain under investigation, and no criminal liability has been established against Ampofo Ankrah.