Prof. Emmanuel Sarpong appointed Acting NSA Director-General

Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA) following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah by President John Dramani Mahama.

Sarpong, who currently serves as National Coordinator of the School and Grassroots Sports Secretariat at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, will oversee the affairs of the NSA while a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into allegations involving the authority continues. 

In a letter dated October 1, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Calitus Mahama, President Mahama directed that Ankrah be suspended from his duties with immediate effect. The letter, sighted by TW Sports, stressed that the suspension is an administrative measure and does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against the suspended NSA Director-General.

“His Excellency the President has directed that Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah be suspended from his duties as Director-General of the NSA with immediate effect, pending the completion of the investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID),” the letter stated.

“The suspension is an administrative measure and does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.” It further directed that Sarpong take over as Acting Director-General during the period of Ankrah’s suspension. Ankrah appeared before the police last week in connection with the allegations and denied any wrongdoing.

His suspension therefore comes as the police investigation remains ongoing, with Sarpong now responsible for the day-to-day administration of the state sports agency. Sarpong is an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sports Science in the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

The National Sports Authority is responsible for the management and development of sports infrastructure, as well as the coordination of sporting activities across Ghana.