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Ghana visa scandal: Investigation into 2026 World Cup facilitation
Ghanaian authorities are investigating an alleged visa fraud scandal involving arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The controversy centers on claims that approximately $623,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa assistance, with some reportedly paying between $8,000 and $10,000.
President John Dramani Mahama has suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah pending the investigation. Ankrah’s lawyer, Jerry Avernugbor, has denied all allegations, stating that his client has not received any money from visa applicants and has cooperated with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) during near-daily interviews.
Political figures and officials are calling for broader accountability. The Minority in Parliament has demanded the dismissal of Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). Additionally, MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah has cautioned against shifting blame to the Foreign Affairs Minister, arguing the Sports Ministry had a duty to verify the identities and employment status of applicants.
Entities
Bureau of National Investigations · Criminal Investigations Department · Ghana · Ghana Tourism Authority · John Dramani Mahama · Kofi Adams · National Sports Authority · Vincent Ekow Assafuah · Yaw Ampofo Ankrah
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Lawyer Jerry Avernugbor denies that Yaw Ampofo Ankrah received any money from visa applicants. chale.news · ghananewss.com · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Some individuals reportedly paid between $8,000 and $10,000 to secure visa and travel assistance. www.ghanamma.com · theghanareport.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] President John Dramani Mahama suspended National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. ghananewss.com · www.ghanamma.com · ghanasoccernet.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is conducting an investigation into the matter. chale.news · ghanasoccernet.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Minority in Parliament demanded the dismissal of Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority. ghanaguardian.com · ghanasoccernet.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Some applicants were allegedly presented as staff of the NSA or GTA despite not being employees. theghanareport.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah argued the Sports Ministry should have verified the identities and employment status of applicants. theghanareport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately $623,000 was allegedly collected for visa facilitation related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. www.ghanamma.com · ghanasoccernet.com