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Prof. Emmanuel Sarpong Appointed Acting Director-General of NSA
Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA), following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), takes over the leadership of the Authority at a time when Ghana’s sports administration, athlete development and the management of public sports facilities remain key areas of national attention.
With a background in sports science, physical education, athlete development and sports administration, Prof. Sarpong brings extensive experience to the role. He has served as a lecturer and sports administrator at UEW and has held various positions within Ghana’s sports sector.
Before his appointment as Acting Director-General, Prof. Sarpong served on the NSA Governing Board and chaired its Technical Committee. He has also served as Ghana’s National Coordinator for School Sports and as a member of the Games and Technical Committee.
Prof. Sarpong was a member of the NSA’s 2025–2026 Governing Board before President John Dramani Mahama dissolved the board in September. His latest appointment therefore places him in an institution with which he is already familiar, including its structures, programmes and technical operations.
His name had previously been mentioned in connection with the NSA Director-General position in January 2025, when reports indicated that he was among those being considered for the role.
Academically, Prof. Sarpong’s expertise includes exercise and sports science, physical activity, sports performance and athlete development. He also serves as Dean of Student Affairs at UEW, according to information from the National Teaching Council.
He assumes office following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, whose tenure came under increased public scrutiny amid investigations into allegations surrounding a World Cup visa facilitation scheme. The NSA has previously denied authorising such a scheme.
Prof. Sarpong’s appointment is expected to bring renewed attention to the administration of Ghana’s sports facilities, school sports development, athlete welfare and the broader management of the National Sports Authority.
As Acting Director-General, his experience in academia, sports science and sports administration will be brought to bear as the NSA works to address the challenges facing Ghana’s sports sector.
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