Parliament must investigate alleged 2026 World Cup visa scandal – Franklin Cudjoe

Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe

Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has called on Parliament to investigate the alleged visa scandal linked to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The controversy involves alleged irregularities in visa arrangements involving the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and private entity TRIBE Culture Fest.

The Minority has alleged that some applicants were presented to the United States and Canadian embassies as employees or affiliates of public institutions despite questions about their actual roles.

According to the caucus, 102 people were submitted to the Canadian Embassy as NSA personnel, but only 15 were verified.

It has also raised concerns about applicants allegedly presented as media practitioners and the amounts some individuals reportedly paid for visa facilitation.

The Minority has called for a wider investigation into the institutions and officials involved, arguing that accountability should not end with the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

Ampofo Ankrah was suspended amid the controversy, while the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service is investigating the matter.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has denied involvement in the alleged irregularities and said the ongoing investigation should establish the facts and hold anyone found culpable accountable.

Reacting to the development, the policy analyst said the parliamentary inquiry should complement investigations by the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

In a social media post on Monday, October 12, the IMANI boss commended the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, for raising concerns about the matter.

“Regarding the grave matters from the recently held World Cup, Parliament must investigate the matter, while investigative authorities do their part,” he wrote.

Mr Cudjoe also called for an end to what he described as waste and chicanery, urging authorities to ensure that the allegations are thoroughly examined.

“We must end the waste and chicanery! Kudos to Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah,” he added.