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Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been named the acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), following the dismissal of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah from the role.
The appointment places a seasoned academic and sports scientist at the helm of one of Ghana's most prominent sports institutions.
Prof. Sarpong has spent the bulk of his career at UEW, where he rose through the ranks from teaching assistant to Associate Professor of Exercise and Sports Science.
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His academic work spans sports performance, exercise physiology, physical activity, nutrition and sports injury prevention.
His qualifications are extensive. He holds a PhD in Human Kinetics, specialising in Sports and Exercise Physiology, from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria, an MSc in Health Services Planning and Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and a Bachelor of Education degree from UEW.
He also received sports coaching training at the University of Leipzig in Germany.
Beyond teaching, he has taken on administrative responsibilities at UEW connected to student affairs and sports.
The new Director-General is not stepping into entirely unfamiliar territory, as noted by Graphic Sports.
Before this appointment, Prof. Sarpong served on the NSA Governing Board and chaired its Technical Committee, giving him direct insight into the Authority's workings and the challenges it faces.
His involvement in school sports and broader sports development programmes has further rounded out his practical experience outside the university setting.
Prof. Sarpong assumes leadership at a critical moment for Ghanaian sports, with long-standing questions around infrastructure, facility management and sports development still demanding attention.
The NSA oversees major sporting facilities across the country and plays a central role in promoting sporting activity at all levels.
His immediate priority will be to consolidate the Authority's direction and engage stakeholders as the institution moves forward following Ankrah's exit.
For Prof. Sarpong, the appointment marks a significant transition from academic and board-level administration into full executive leadership of Ghana's sports sector.
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that sacked NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah responded to reports of his removal from office.
Rather than address the allegations against him, Ankrah expressed confidence in the presidency and urged the public to remain calm.
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Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor)
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.
Source: Music
