Suspended National Sports Authority Director General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, says he will not appear before Parliament over allegations against him until the Ghana Police Service completes its investigation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, through his lawyer, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah said appearing before Parliament while the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is investigating the matter could prejudice the process and complicate the work of investigators.
“It would be imprudent for Mr. Ampofo Ankrah to appear before Parliament in relation to matters that are presently the subject of the CID investigation,” his lawyer said.
The legal team stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a refusal to account to Parliament or any other constitutionally mandated institution.
According to the statement, Ampofo Ankrah has cooperated and will continue to cooperate fully with the police to help establish the facts.
His lawyer has also urged the public and media to exercise restraint and avoid treating allegations or speculation as facts.
The lawyer said the ongoing investigation does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against Yaw Ampofo Ankrah or any other person.
The statement comes amid scrutiny of the National Sports Authority (NSA) over allegations surrounding arrangements for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over alleged visa fraud linked to the NSA’s World Cup arrangements. It has called for investigations into claims that money was collected from applicants, official lists were manipulated, and fictitious positions were created to facilitate visa applications.
The Minority has also called for accountability from officials linked to the process, including Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams and Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
President John Dramani Mahama has since asked Mr Ampofo Ankrah to step aside while the police investigate the matter.
The Minority has maintained that anyone found culpable should face the appropriate sanctions, including prosecution where necessary.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah’s lawyer says his client will respond to the substantive allegations after the investigation is completed and its findings formally made public.
The lawyer added that if Yaw Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension is lifted and he is restored to office, he will comply with any lawful requirement to appear before Parliament or another competent institution.
