The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on Parliament to summon the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority to answer questions over alleged visa fraud linked to travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The party is also demanding a public inquiry into the allegations, the release of documents relating to the arrangements and a clear timeline for investigations into the matter.
Addressing the media on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the party's Director of Communications, Mr Dennis Miracles Aboagye, said Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee must investigate the allegations to establish what transpired and identify those responsible.
"Parliament must step in and summon their member who happens to be the Minister for Sports and Recreation, summon the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority to answer questions on the floor of the House and to the Youth and Sports Committee so that we will have clarity," he stated.
He said the inquiry would help reassure Ghana's international partners that the alleged fraudulent activities were not sanctioned by the state and that those involved would be held accountable.
Mr Aboagye also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to brief the public on its engagements with the United States and Canadian embassies and outline measures to protect Ghanaian travellers from possible repercussions.
Documents demanded
The party further called for the publication of all documents connected to the arrangements, including the memorandum of understanding between the National Sports Authority and Tribe Culture FEST, the supplementary agreement, the Ghana Tourism Authority's agreement with the company, the lists submitted to both embassies and a letter from the Foreign Affairs Ministry dated May 28, 2026.
On the plight of individuals who allegedly paid money to the Ghana Tourism Authority or the National Sports Authority for visa and travel assistance, Mr Aboagye urged the state to protect them and ensure that funds are recovered and returned to them.
"Applicants who paid money to the Tourism Authority or to the National Sports Authority must be protected by the state. Many of them were ordinary Ghanaians who trusted the name of a public institution. They should be invited to come forward without fear and any money recovered returned to them," he said.
He also called for a definite timeline for the investigation and the publication of a report at its conclusion, warning that prolonged investigations without clear outcomes could fuel suspicions of a cover-up. The demands follow allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking assistance with visa applications and travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Clarification on NSA Director-General
The party also wants the Presidency to clarify the status of the National Sports Authority Director-General, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, amid conflicting reports on whether he has been dismissed or suspended over the alleged World Cup visa scandal.
Mr Aboagye said the Presidency must state the decision taken against Mr Ampofo Ankrah and disclose the terms attached to it. He questioned the timing of the President's action, arguing that it came only after pressure from the public and the Minority in Parliament.
He said a petition had been submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department on September 8, 2026, but President John Dramani Mahama acted on October 1, after calls for the NSA Director-General's removal intensified.
Mr Aboagye said the conflicting accounts of Mr Ampofo Ankrah's status had created uncertainty over the nature of the action taken against him.
"Some official account says that the National Sports Authority Director General, Mr Ampofo Ankrah, has been dismissed. Others say he was suspended pending investigation. Which is which? Ghanaians deserve a clear statement from the Presidency," he said.
The controversy stems from allegations of irregularities in visa arrangements involving officials and Ghanaians who sought to travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
