OSP opens corruption probe into Ghana’s 2026 World Cup visa scandal

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched investigations into suspected corruption surrounding contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority (NSA) and alleged financial irregularities in Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement, the OSP said it had received petitions alleging abuse of public office in the selection and accreditation of sponsorship beneficiaries, visa facilitation, payments by prospective travellers and the management of sponsorship proceeds.

The investigation will also focus on the allocation of travel opportunities and claims that some competition winners were left out of the final beneficiary lists submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.

The development comes amid growing controversy over Ghana’s World Cup travel arrangements, which has prompted a presidential investigation, a police probe and the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Mr Ampofo Ankrah on October 1, 2026, pending a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) investigation into allegations that money was collected from prospective travellers seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament.

The matter has also attracted criticism from the Minority in Parliament, which has questioned the respective roles of the NSA, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and private entity TRIBE Culture Fest.

The Ranking Member of Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised concerns about alleged discrepancies in the lists submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.

He claimed that although 102 people were presented as NSA personnel, only 15 could be verified as employees of the Authority.

The Minority has also questioned reports that prospective travellers paid between $7,000 and $14,000 for travel arrangements and has called for a broader investigation into the institutions and individuals involved.

President Mahama has subsequently established a committee to investigate the alleged irregularities. However, Mr Assafuah has questioned its independence and composition, arguing that an independent commission of inquiry would be a more appropriate mechanism.

The OSP said it would announce any further investigative action in accordance with its disclosure policy.

It also stressed that the commencement of an investigation does not imply wrongdoing, adding that all persons and institutions involved remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.