The National Sports Authority (NSA) has announced that approximately 17 staff members, recruited into the Authority more than 11 months ago, are now required to reapply for their positions. This directive comes after days of intense public scrutiny regarding the legality of their appointments and a series of high-level engagements involving the Sports Minister, the NSA management, and its Board.

In a statement dated February 25, 2026, the NSA confirmed that "constructive engagements" had been held with the Honourable Minister responsible for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams. This development follows a crucial meeting on February 23, 2026, between Minister Adams, the NSA Board, and Acting Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, which aimed to resolve the administrative impasse.

Joy Sports had previously revealed that the NSA Board had instructed Mr. Ankrah to revoke the appointments of these 17 staff members. It emerged that these individuals were recruited without the mandatory clearance from the Public Services Commission and the Ministry of Finance, which are fundamental steps under Ghana’s public sector regulations. Sources indicated that the Board had initially set a February 6 deadline for the revocation, a directive that had been issued for the second time following a retreat in Ada.

The controversy was further exacerbated by claims that some of the positions filled were not part of the NSA’s approved organizational structure, including a reportedly created Chief Operations Officer (COO) role. Allegations also surfaced that certain newly recruited officers were granted authority superior to existing Deputy Director Generals.

Initially, Mr. Ankrah had publicly defended the recruitment, asserting that the new staff had contributed significantly to Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, following the detailed reports by Joy Sports and the subsequent ministerial intervention, the Authority has shifted its stance. The NSA’s latest statement described discussions with the Minister as "cordial, open, and solution-oriented," emphasizing a shared commitment to due process, institutional stability, and administrative clarity.

The Authority acknowledged that the affected officers have "served for over 11 months without salary," reportedly receiving allowances instead of official payroll payments due to the absence of Finance Ministry clearance. It was formally agreed that these officers would "reapply in accordance with established public service procedures." Once the appointments are officially revoked, affected individuals will be eligible to reapply when NSA officially advertises vacancies, with recruitment being merit-based and subject to standard public sector requirements, including clearances from relevant state institutions.

The current situation has also exposed deeper administrative tensions within the NSA. Sources suggest Mr. Ankrah was initially reluctant to revoke the appointments, leading to friction between management and the Board. Reports indicate that some longstanding staff members felt sidelined, with internal communication being limited and key operational decisions allegedly handled by the newly appointed personnel. Under Ghana’s public sector regulations, recruitment necessitates formal clearance, public advertisement of vacancies, and interview processes conducted by duly constituted panels, with salaries processed through the Controller and Accountant-General post-approvals.

With a duly constituted Governing Board now in place after 10 months of the new management team taking office, the NSA stated that necessary steps will be taken to regularize employment in line with applicable regulations. Beyond the immediate staffing crisis, the Authority faces broader challenges, including an estimated personnel shortfall of over 400 across the country, with about 121 staff at its headquarters alone. Past recruitment drives, such as the 250 individuals hired nationwide about three years ago under Professor Peter Twumasi, reportedly saw some abandon posts or go on study leave. Operational issues, such as a non-functional public address system at the national stadium requiring external equipment hire, further underscore structural strains.

The statement, signed by Mr. Ankrah, concluded with an assurance that the NSA "will enhance operational efficiency and continue to advance strategic partnerships," reaffirming its commitment to transparency, continuity of operations, governance reforms, and maintaining the trust of its growing network of corporate, diplomatic, and development partners.