Ghanaians ignored my warnings over World Cup visa payments - Kofi Adams

Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, says some Ghanaians ignored his warnings against paying individuals who claimed they could secure visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Mr Adams said information gathered after the tournament suggested that some applicants had paid money to individuals, including people allegedly holding official positions, without the Ministry’s knowledge.

The Buem MP told Citi News that he had repeatedly cautioned Ghanaians against giving money to people who promised to use personal connections or influence to secure visas to the United States and Canada.

“Before the World Cup, as Minister, on several occasions I had cause to warn Ghanaians and advise Ghanaians not to give money out to anybody in the name of going to offer you a visa to go to the US or Canada,” he said.

Mr Adams urged those seeking travel assistance to deal only with registered organisations, including travel and tour companies, that operate through established procedures and contractual agreements.

He also warned against individuals who claimed to have personal relationships with him or members of the World Cup oversight committee and demanded money in exchange for influencing visa applications.

“You meet an individual who says, ‘I know the Minister for Sports. He’s my friend. Bring something,’ or ‘I know the members of the oversight committee and I’ll go and influence the process.’ Please don’t do that,” he said.

The minister maintained that the Ministry had not been informed of the alleged payments, adding that information obtained after Ghana’s participation in the tournament indicated that some people had disregarded his advice.

His comments come amid scrutiny of alleged visa facilitation arrangements involving the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the National Sports Authority (NSA).

The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about the arrangements, including allegations that some applicants were charged between $7,000 and $14,000 for visa assistance.

President John Dramani Mahama has directed NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside while police investigate the allegations.