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), assumes the leadership of the Authority at a time when Ghana’s sports administration and the management of public sports facilities are receiving considerable attention.
His appointment brings to the NSA a sports professional with experience spanning sports science, physical education, athlete development and sports administration. He has previously served as a lecturer and sports administrator at UEW and has taken on several responsibilities within Ghana’s sports sector.
Before his elevation to the acting position, Prof. Sarpong was a member of the NSA Governing Board and served as Chairman of its Technical Committee. He has also been appointed Ghana’s National Coordinator for School Sports and has served as a member of the Games and Technical Committee, roles that have strengthened his involvement in sports development and administration at the national level.
Prof. Sarpong was also 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 a familiar institution, with previous knowledge of its structures, programmes and technical operations.
His name had earlier been linked to the position of NSA Director-General in January 2025, when reports indicated that he was among individuals being considered for the role. At the time, sections of Ghana’s sporting community were calling for a technically experienced sports professional to lead the Authority.
Academically, Prof. Sarpong’s expertise is rooted in exercise and sports science, with areas of interest including physical activity, sports performance and athlete development. He currently serves as Dean of Student Affairs at UEW, according to information from the National Teaching Council.
He takes over following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, whose tenure had recently attracted increased public scrutiny. The former Director-General faced calls for his removal amid investigations into allegations concerning a World Cup visa facilitation scheme. The NSA has, however, previously denied authorising such a scheme.
Prof. Sarpong’s assumption of office is therefore expected to place renewed attention on 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 administration will now be brought to bear as the Authority navigates the challenges confronting Ghana’s sports sector.
Source: 3news.com
