Omanghana
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has confirmed that the National Sports Authority (NSA) requested assistance with visa processing for 90 people described as volunteers and event coordinators for activities connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, October 11, Adams said the request came through a letter from the NSA’s suspended Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. The correspondence outlined proposed activities in Ghana and the United States and sought support for individuals expected to help organize them.
The Minister said his office had previously been unaware that some of the planned activities would take place in the United States.
His explanation comes amid a Criminal Investigations Department probe into alleged irregularities surrounding World Cup visa arrangements involving the NSA, the Ghana Tourism Authority and private organization TRIBE Culture Fest.
According to the Sports Ministry, the NSA’s request was dated May 19, 2026. It reached the Ministry on May 25 and was forwarded on May 28, together with supporting documents, through the established administrative and diplomatic process.
The Minister’s special aide, Wonder Sitsofe Mandel, maintained that forwarding the documents did not mean the Ministry selected the applicants, verified their eligibility or guaranteed that visas would be granted. He said final decisions remained with the US Embassy.
Mandel also rejected allegations that Adams received money, commissions or other benefits from the arrangements, saying no evidence establishing such conduct had been presented publicly.
He said the Ministry supported a thorough investigation into any unlawful payments, misrepresentation or abuse of office and would cooperate with the police.
“The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has no intention of shielding anybody,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama directed Ampofo Ankrah to step aside on October 1 pending the outcome of the CID investigation. Although some initial reports described the action as a dismissal, the presidential directive specified a suspension.
Ampofo Ankrah has denied wrongdoing. His lawyer, Jerry Avernugbor, said his client had not received money from individuals to facilitate visas and urged the public to allow investigators to establish the facts.
Source: Omanghana
