2026 World Cup visa scandal: Sports Ministry pledges not to shield anyone
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation will not protect anyone found to have engaged in wrongdoing in the ongoing investigation into an alleged visa scandal linked to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a special aide to the Sports Minister has said.
Wonder Sitsofe Mandel said the law must take its course, stressing that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) was already investigating the allegations.
Speaking on Joy News, Mandel said anyone found to have unlawfully collected money, abused their position or benefited improperly from the arrangements would be held accountable.
“Whenever there is wrongdoing, the law must take its course, and the ministry is not shielding anybody,” he said.
“If anyone collected money unlawfully, the ministry will present that applicant. If anyone abused the office process or benefited improperly, the law will work. The law must work.”
The controversy centres on allegations involving about $623,000 in visa facilitation fees linked to arrangements for Ghanaian supporters and officials travelling to the 2026 World Cup.
The allegations have triggered scrutiny of the institutions and officials involved in coordinating Ghana’s participation in the tournament.
President John Mahama has suspended Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) pending investigations into the matter.
The suspension followed growing concerns over the reported visa arrangements and the circumstances surrounding the payments.
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has called for the investigation to be extended to other officials it alleges were involved in the process.
It is demanding the removal of the Sports Minister and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), arguing that they should face prosecution if found culpable.
The allegations have raised questions about the management of visa facilitation arrangements associated with Ghana’s World Cup participation.
The CID investigation is expected to establish how the payments were handled and determine whether any individuals or institutions breached the law.