World Cup Visa Controversy: Minority Demands Probe Into Sports Ministry and GTA Leadership

By KPD News Online | October 8, 2026

The parliamentary Minority has intensified pressure over Ghana’s controversial visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling for the removal of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams and Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Chief Executive Officer Maame Afua Houadjeto.

The demand was made by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, during a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday.

The Minority argues that the controversy goes beyond the suspension of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who was asked to step aside while investigations continue into the visa arrangements.

At the centre of the controversy is an estimated US$623,000 visa facilitation payment connected to arrangements for Ghanaian supporters and officials travelling to the United States for the World Cup.

Questions over names submitted to embassies

According to the Minority, some people who were allegedly not employees or officials of relevant state institutions were presented as being connected to those institutions during the visa process.

Assafuah further alleged that cover letters were prepared to facilitate visa applications by presenting outsiders as Ministry of Sports personnel.

The Minority says investigators should establish who authorised the documents, how the lists were compiled and whether proper procedures were followed.

The GTA has also come under scrutiny. The Minority claims that a list of 50 people described as media personnel was submitted to the United States Embassy, but that verification allegedly identified only two as media practitioners. These claims have been reported as allegations by the Minority and have not, by themselves, established criminal wrongdoing.

Minority wants investigation extended

Assafuah said the investigation should not stop with the former NSA boss, arguing that all officials and institutions whose actions may have contributed to the controversy must be examined.

The Minority is therefore calling for the Sports Minister and GTA CEO to be removed from office while investigations proceed, and for prosecution where investigators establish evidence of criminal conduct.

The allegations also involve questions about payments reportedly ranging from several thousand dollars to individuals seeking access to the World Cup visa arrangements. The Minority says investigators must determine who received money, who authorised the arrangements and whether public institutions were properly used.

No finding of guilt yet

The calls by the Minority do not constitute a finding of criminal wrongdoing against Kofi Adams, Maame Afua Houadjeto or any other official.

The appropriate authorities would have to establish the facts, determine whether administrative breaches occurred and, where necessary, decide whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal prosecution.

The controversy has nevertheless created growing pressure for a broader investigation into Ghana’s World Cup travel arrangements and the involvement of public institutions.

The Minority maintains that accountability should extend to every official found to have played a role in any improper conduct.