# Ghana National Sports Authority visa fraud investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-national-sports-authority-visa-fraud-investigation > Updated: 2026-10-11T16:10:43.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 4. 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. ## Claims - Lawyer Jerry Avernugbor denies that Yaw Ampofo Ankrah received any money from visa applicants. (disputed by 3 sources) - Claims suggest approximately $623,000 was received from individuals seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements. (disputed by 2 sources) - President John Dramani Mahama suspended National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The suspension follows allegations regarding the handling of visa applications and travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Yaw Ampofo Ankrah expressed disappointment over not being heard before his suspension but stated he remains calm. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Some individuals reportedly paid between $8,000 and $10,000 to secure visa and travel assistance. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Minority in Parliament demanded the dismissal of Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is conducting an investigation into the matter. (corroborated by 2 sources) - MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah argued the Sports Ministry should have verified the identities and employment status of applicants. (single source) - Some applicants were allegedly presented as staff of the NSA or GTA despite not being employees. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-11: 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. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-sports-ministry-denies-involvement-in-world-cup-visa-scandal ### 2026-10-09: 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. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-investigates-2026-fifa-world-cup-visa-scandal ### 2026-10-02: 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. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yaw-ampofo-ankrah-suspended-amid-world-cup-visa-investigation ### 2026-09-20: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-sports-authority-officials-accused-of-623000-visa-scam --- Cite as: Ghana National Sports Authority visa fraud investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-national-sports-authority-visa-fraud-investigation