The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has dismissed reports suggesting he ordered the immediate dismissal of 17 staff members at the National Sports Authority (NSA).

Describing the allegations as "untrue," Adams clarified that his recent directives to the authority focused on administrative regularisation rather than terminations.

This denial follows a report published on February 23, by MyJoyOnline, which claimed that the Minister instructed the NSA Director General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, to revoke the appointments of nearly 20 employees.

The report indicated that the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the 16 other staff members were given a deadline of Thursday, February 26, to vacate their posts.

However, addressing the matter directly, Adams stated that the publication did not accurately reflect the Ministry's correspondence.

"This is not a true reflection of the situation," the Minister said. "I asked the NSA to submit to me full emoluments for the 17 persons based on dates of employment for each."

The controversy arises from an ongoing dispute regarding staff recruited without the necessary financial clearance.

While earlier reports suggested a standoff between the NSA Board and Ankrah concerning these appointments, the Minister explained that the government is seeking to integrate the staff properly once the correct procedures are followed.

Under the Minister's actual directive, the NSA must provide full salary and employment details for all 17 individuals so they can be placed within the existing NSA hierarchy once official clearance is obtained.

Furthermore, Adams has requested a formal gap analysis of the current organisational structure to identify any genuine staffing needs before any further changes are proposed to the board for approval.

The initial story, which followed a previous report headlined ‘Chaos at the NSA’, implied that ministerial intervention was necessary because the Director General had been reluctant to comply with board orders.

Following the Minister’s clarification, the news portal has since removed the original headline. The Ministry maintains that the focus remains on ensuring the NSA operates within the legal framework for public sector employment, rather than overseeing a "mass exit" of personnel.