Minority calls for Sports Minister's dismissal and prosecution over World Cup visa scandal
The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Eddie Adams over his alleged involvement in a visa facilitation scandal linked to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
The demand follows the suspension of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah by President John Mahama over his alleged involvement in an investigation into a $623,000 (£) visa facilitation payment.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday, 7 October, the Ranking Member of the Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, alleged that some officials had facilitated visa applications for people who were not employees of the Sports Ministry.
Mr Assafuah claimed that a cover letter was allegedly prepared to present outsiders as ministry staff in order to support their visa applications.
He said the allegations raised questions about the procedures used to facilitate the travel of supporters and officials to the United States for the World Cup.
The controversy centres on about $623,000 in visa facilitation fees reportedly paid as part of Ghana's arrangements for people travelling to the tournament.
President Mahama subsequently suspended Mr Ankrah as NSA Director General pending investigations.
The Minority is also calling for the dismissal and prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), alleging that he was also involved in the arrangements.
It wants the investigation widened to cover other officials who may have played a role and says anyone found culpable should face prosecution.
Mr Assafuah said investigators must establish how the funds were approved, who benefited from the arrangements and whether proper procedures were followed.