The Legal Director of the United Party (UP), Andrew Appiah Danquah, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for suspending the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, amid the controversy surrounding visa arrangements for Ghanaian travellers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mr Danquah said the President’s decision demonstrated leadership, particularly as investigations into the alleged irregularities were underway.
Speaking with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, October 17, he described the controversy as “much ado about nothing” and questioned the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) sustained calls for further action against government officials.
“This is a case of much ado about nothing. Because, see, if for anything, first of all, we must commend the President. We must commend the President for his leadership, for suspending the NSA Director-General,” he said.
Mr Danquah said he understood that a criminal investigation was also being conducted in connection with the NSA board.
He further indicated that President Mahama’s decision to suspend Mr Ampofo Ankrah was based on advice from the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams.
The UP Legal Director questioned the NPP’s motives in demanding that Mr Adams and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority be summoned before Parliament to answer questions about the alleged irregularities.
“The bigger question that we ought to ask ourselves is what is fueling this much by the NPP?” he asked.
“In my entire life, my adult life, I’ve never seen an opposition that’s more desperate for the government to be involved in a scandal than this NPP,” he added.
Mr Danquah also questioned whether the opposition party’s demands were driven by a genuine commitment to accountability and probity.
“Now, I must say again, what is NPP’s purpose? Is it because of a genuine fidelity to the principle of probity and accountability?” he asked.
