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4 clusters · 25 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

Ghana National Sports Authority visa fraud investigation

Overview

The investigation into alleged visa facilitation irregularities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified. Claims suggest approximately US$623,000 was collected from individuals seeking assistance, with some paying between US$7,000 and US$14,000 to facilitate travel to the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Parliamentary members have raised concerns regarding the accuracy of personnel lists submitted by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the National Sports Authority to US and Canadian embassies. The Minority in Parliament has called for the dismissal of Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority. MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah has cautioned against shifting blame to the Foreign Affairs Minister, asserting the Sports Ministry had a duty to verify applicant identities. President John Dramani Mahama directed former National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside, with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed as acting Director-General. Mr. Ankrah’s lawyer, Jerry Avernugbor, has denied all allegations, stating his client ‘has not received a penny from any individual’ and is undergoing near-daily interviews with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Sports Minister Kofi Adams recently revealed that the dismissed Director-General had submitted a request for visa assistance for 90 individuals described as ‘volunteers and event coordinators.’ The Minister noted the ministry was unaware until May 2026 that some activities were planned for the United States. He also noted that the American Embassy introduced ‘Tribe Fest Culture’ to the NSA and Ghana Tourism Authority, raising questions about the use of official relationships. To improve transparency, Adams announced that all international sporting earnings will now be directed into a centralized Sports Fund. The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has denied direct involvement, noting that the CID is conducting an investigation to clarify misconceptions and hold responsible parties accountable.

Entities

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah · National Sports Authority · Kofi Adams · John Dramani Mahama · Ministry of Sports and Recreation

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Coverage disagrees

Sources make claims that cannot both be true. CLSTR reports the disagreement; it does not decide who is right.

  • "Claims suggest approximately $623,000 was received from individuals seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements."

    vs

    "Lawyer Jerry Avernugbor denies that Yaw Ampofo Ankrah received any money from visa applicants." chale.news · ghananewss.com · www.myjoyonline.com

    Lawyer Jerry Avernugbor denies that any money was received, while the investigation claims approximately $623,000 was received.

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 11 sources
    Ghana Sports Ministry faces scrutiny over World Cup visa scandal

    Ghana's Sports Ministry is under investigation following allegations that over $623,000 was collected for 2026 World Cup visa facilitation.

  2. [POLITICS] 8 sources
    Ghana visa scandal: Investigation into 2026 World Cup facilitation

    Ghana is investigating an alleged $623,000 visa fraud scandal linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leading to the suspension of the NSA Director-General and calls for higher-level ministerial accountability.

  3. [SPORTS] 18 sources
    Ghana football undergoes reforms following Black Stars coaching changes

    Following poor Black Stars results and the departure of coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana's GFA and Sports Ministry have launched reforms, including a search committee for a new coach and new player relations roles.

  4. [CRIME] 2 sources
    National Sports Authority officials accused of $623,000 visa scam

    Ghana's National Sports Authority is under investigation by the CID following allegations that officials collected $623,000 from citizens promising FIFA World Cup visa assistance.

Sources

3news.com · adomonline.com · afrikmag.com · chale.news · fameennews.info · ghanaguardian.com · ghanamma.com · ghananewss.com · ghanasoccernet.com · kawowo.com · kessbenonline.com · lintegral.tg · myjoyonline.com · mynewsgh.com · newscenta.com · norvanreports.com · onuaonline.com · pulse.com.gh · rainbowradioonline.com · sportsoftheday.com · sportsworldghana.com · starrfm.com.gh · theghanareport.com · thepressradio.com · thevaultznews.com

This summary has been updated 8 times: see revision history