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Ghana Sports Minister faces calls for dismissal over World Cup visa scandal
Ghanaian officials are facing intense scrutiny following allegations of a visa facilitation scandal linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The controversy involves claims that approximately $623,000 was collected through irregular arrangements.
President John Mahama has suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah pending investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Mr. Ankrah’s legal team has stated he will defer appearances before Parliament to avoid prejudicing the ongoing probe.
The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams and the Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). They allege that non-staff members were presented as public officials to facilitate visas, with some individuals reportedly charged between $7,000 and $14,000.
Minister Adams’ spokesperson has denied the allegations, stating the ministry has no relationship with private travel operators and that the minister has not gained any financial benefit from the process.
Entities
Alexander Afenyo-Markin · Atewa Forest · Christian Council of Ghana · Economic and Organised Crime Office · Ghana Gold Board · Ghana Tourism Authority · John Dramani Mahama · Kofi Adams · Kofi Iddie Adams · National Sports Authority · Vincent Ekow Assafuah · Yaw Ampofo Ankrah
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The Minority in Parliament has called for the dismissal and prosecution of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams. ghananewss.com · kastlefmonline.com · angelonline.com.gh · thevaultznews.com · sportsworldghana.com · +3 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] President John Mahama suspended National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah pending investigations. topfmonline.com · sportsworldghana.com · ghanaguardian.com · theghanareport.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Minority alleges that non-ministry employees were presented as staff members to facilitate visa applications. sportsworldghana.com · ghanaguardian.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Suspended NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah is deferring his appearance before Parliament due to an ongoing CID investigation. www.gbcghanaonline.com · ghanaiantimes.com.gh
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Non-GTA staff were allegedly charged between $7,000 and $14,000 to access visa arrangements. angelonline.com.gh
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The spokesperson for Sports Minister Kofi Adams denied that the minister facilitated unlawful visas or gained financial benefits.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The visa facilitation controversy involves approximately $623,000 in fees. topfmonline.com · sportsworldghana.com · ghanaguardian.com · theghanareport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Minority alleges that the National Sports Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, and TRIBE Culture Fest were involved in the visa scheme. kastlefmonline.com · thechronicle.com.gh