NPP Demands Public Inquiry into Alleged $600,000 World Cup Visa Fraud, Calls for Sports Minister and GTA CEO to Be Summoned

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for a public inquiry into allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The party is demanding that Parliament summon the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to explain their respective roles in the arrangements and help establish accountability.

Addressing the media on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the NPP’s Director of Communications, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, urged Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee to investigate the allegations and establish the facts surrounding the controversial travel arrangements.

He said parliamentary scrutiny was necessary to provide clarity on the involvement of the relevant public institutions and determine what happened.

“Parliament must step in and summon their member who happens to be the Minister for Sports and Recreation, summon the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority to answer questions on the floor of the House and to the Youth and Sports Committee so that we will have clarity,” he said.

NPP Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Mr Aboagye argued that a parliamentary inquiry would help establish the facts, promote transparency and reassure Ghana’s international partners that any alleged fraudulent activities were not sanctioned by the state.

He maintained that anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The NPP also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to brief the public on its engagements with the United States and Canadian embassies regarding the matter.

According to the party, the ministry should explain the steps being taken to protect Ghanaian travellers from any potential repercussions arising from the allegations.

Party Demands Publication of Travel Agreements

As part of its demands, the NPP is calling for the publication of all relevant documents relating to the World Cup travel arrangements.

The documents it wants made public include the memorandum of understanding between the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Tribe Culture FEST, the supplementary agreement, the agreement between the GTA and the company, the lists submitted to the United States and Canadian embassies, and a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated May 28, 2026.

The party believes that making the documents available would help clarify the nature of the arrangements, the responsibilities of the institutions involved and the circumstances under which applicants were engaged.

NPP Demands Protection and Refunds for Applicants

The opposition party has further called on the state to protect individuals who allegedly paid money to the GTA or the NSA for visa applications and travel assistance.

Mr Aboagye stressed that the affected individuals should be allowed to come forward without fear and that any funds recovered should be returned to those entitled to them.

“Applicants who paid money to the Tourism Authority or to the National Sports Authority must be protected by the state. Many of them were ordinary Ghanaians who trusted the name of a public institution. They should be invited to come forward without fear and any money recovered returned to them,” he said.

The party’s position highlights concerns about the potential financial losses suffered by applicants who relied on the involvement of public institutions in the travel arrangements.

NPP Seeks Investigation Timeline and Final Report

Mr Aboagye also called for a clear timeline for the investigations and the publication of a comprehensive report upon their conclusion.

He warned that investigations conducted without definite deadlines or clearly communicated outcomes could deepen public suspicion and fuel allegations of a cover-up.

The NPP is therefore demanding a transparent process that establishes the facts, clarifies institutional responsibilities and identifies any individuals who may have breached the law.

The party insists that the handling of the matter must demonstrate accountability and protect the interests of Ghanaians who may have been affected.

Background to the Alleged World Cup Visa Fraud

The NPP’s demands follow allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking assistance with visa applications and travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The controversy has raised questions about the roles of the National Sports Authority, the Ghana Tourism Authority and other parties involved in the arrangements.

The allegations and the opposition party’s demands for an inquiry underscore calls for greater transparency in the management of travel-related arrangements involving public institutions.

A thorough investigation would be necessary to establish the facts, determine whether any wrongdoing occurred and identify appropriate remedial measures.

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