Ghanaian Parliament questions World Cup spending and traveler returns

The Minority in Ghana's Parliament is challenging government claims that all 431 individuals sponsored to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup have returned to the country. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Ranking Member on Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee, has identified two specific individuals—the driver of Sports Minister Kofi Adams and a secretary at the Chief Director's office—who allegedly remain in the United States.

During a parliamentary briefing, Minister Kofi Adams stated he did not recognize the name of his driver, Mr. Okyere, though he conceded the individual could be known to him. The Minority is demanding that the Ministry publish a full list of the 431 travelers, including names and passport numbers, to independently verify their return status.

In addition to concerns regarding the whereabouts of staff, Assafuah has raised questions about alleged excessive expenditures during the tournament. These include a reported $10,000 payment to a purse holder, as well as significant payments made to chefs, caterers, and security personnel. The Minority argues these figures appear disproportionate to the duration of the team's stay in North America.