The Minority in Parliament has renewed calls for decisive government action over alleged irregularities in visa arrangements linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that all those found culpable should be held accountable.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has also reiterated calls for the resignation of the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, over the controversy, which has generated widespread public concern.
Speaking at the inauguration of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Central Regional Council, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the Minority had uncovered what it described as serious shortcomings in the visa acquisition process and was awaiting a response from the government.
“Your caucus has also exposed the rot in the recent World Cup visa acquisition. The visa racketeering scandal, we also await government action and call on the Sports Minister to resign,” he stated.
According to the Minority Leader, the allegations raise questions about transparency and accountability in the arrangements made for Ghanaians seeking travel opportunities connected to the tournament.
The Minority had previously called on Parliament to summon Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, to explain the roles played by their respective institutions in the visa and travel arrangements.
The controversy stems from allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa procurement and travel assistance for the World Cup.
Reports indicate that some applicants were allegedly charged between US$7,000 and US$14,000 in exchange for promised travel and visa facilitation services.
The allegations have since attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies, with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) reportedly launching investigations into the matter.
In a related development, the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.
Despite the allegations, both the Sports Ministry and the Ghana Tourism Authority have denied any wrongdoing. The two institutions maintain that they did not engage in the collection of money in exchange for visa approvals and have pledged their cooperation with ongoing investigations.
The issue continues to generate political debate, with the Minority insisting that a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions are necessary to restore public confidence in official travel arrangements linked to major international sporting events.