Assafuah runs away from invitation to appear with evidence before Mahama's committee probing his World Cup visa allegations

The Ranking Member on Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has declined an invitation from President John Dramani Mahama to appear before a committee investigating alleged irregularities in the acquisition of visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mr Assafuah said his decision was informed by concerns over the committee's independence, transparency and ability to conduct an impartial investigation.

He disclosed that he had petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the President to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged visa and fundraising irregularities.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, November 5, 2026, he said the President, through his presidential advisers, had invited him to assist the committee, but he chose not to participate.

“I have respectfully boycotted that invitation. I did so on principle. The President cannot be seen to be investigating his own ministers. You cannot be a judge in your own cause,” he said.

The NPP legislator also questioned the committee's composition and mandate, arguing that the failure to make its terms of reference and membership public had raised doubts about the credibility of the exercise.

“That committee is shrouded in complete opacity. Its terms of reference are not public, its members are unknown, and its sittings are held behind closed doors,” he stated.

He insisted that the allegations required an independent investigation conducted openly, rather than an internal government-led process that he believes lacks transparency.

“What Ghana needs is not a secret in-house cover-up committee. What Ghana needs is a public, transparent, independent commission of inquiry with powers to subpoena, to publish evidence and to hold persons accountable openly,” he added.

His position comes as the Minority in Parliament intensifies calls for government to take decisive action over alleged financial and visa-related irregularities surrounding arrangements for Ghanaian supporters travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The controversy centres on allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa and travel assistance for the tournament, with some applicants reportedly paying between US$7,000 and US$14,000.

The allegations have prompted investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), while the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.

However, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Tourism Authority have denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that their involvement in the arrangements did not include collecting money in exchange for visa approvals.