Omanghana
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for a public parliamentary investigation into alleged visa and ticketing irregularities surrounding Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the controversy could damage the country’s international reputation.
Speaking at a press conference on national issues, the party’s Director of Communications, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, criticized the government’s handling of the allegations and demanded accountability from officials responsible for the arrangements.
“Ghana’s credibility is on trial, and the future of every child is at risk,” he said.
The allegations center on the use of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to facilitate visa applications for individuals reportedly unconnected to either institution.
According to the account presented at the briefing, a request initially intended to cover a small number of staff was expanded to include approximately 90 to 92 people allegedly presented as essential sports personnel despite having no affiliation with the agencies.
Aboagye also cited allegations that individuals paid intermediaries and connected officials between $4,000 and $25,000 to secure places on the visa facilitation list. Some payments were reported to exceed GH¢158,000.
The controversy extends to match tickets, with travel agencies and supporters who paid for packages reportedly complaining that they did not receive their allocations. Allegations raised at the briefing included claims that an official withheld tickets and redirected them to personal associates.
“Public money bought them, and private pockets were allegedly filled,” Aboagye stated.
He argued that the reported suspension of one NSA administrative official was insufficient and should not be treated as a resolution of the matter. The NPP maintains that a broader investigation is necessary to establish who authorised the arrangements and whether public resources were misused.
The party called on Sports Minister Kofi Adams to step aside or be removed by the President. It also demanded an open parliamentary inquiry at which the minister and GTA Chief Executive Officer Mame Fuaj would answer questions about the expanded visa list.
Aboagye warned that alleged abuses of official travel arrangements could expose legitimate Ghanaian travelers, including athletes, students and journalists, to greater scrutiny from foreign embassies.
The matter has reportedly been referred to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service through a petition, amid calls for an independent forensic audit.
The allegations outlined by the NPP remain subject to investigation. The material provided did not include responses from the officials and institutions concerned.
Source: Omanghana
