The Minority in Parliament has welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to ask Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), but says his departure must pave the way for a broader investigation into alleged visa irregularities linked to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority said its earlier call for Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s removal was based on concerns that the allegations surrounding the visa arrangements required accountability and an independent investigation.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, October 7, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Sports Committee, Vincent Assafuah, commended President Mahama for acting on the Minority’s demand.
“We raised that call because we believed that, in the face of the serious questions surrounding the alleged World Cup visa arrangements, there was a need for accountability and for the investigation to proceed without the continued presence of the Director-General at the helm of affairs at the institution,” he said.
Mr Assafuah, however, stressed that the decision should not be considered the end of the matter, arguing that the allegations go beyond the former NSA Director-General.
According to him, documents and records available to the Minority suggest that the alleged irregularities may have involved several institutional actors, making a wider investigation necessary.
The Minority is therefore calling for investigations into Sports Minister Kofi Adams, the leadership of the Ghana Tourism Authority, officials of the National Sports Authority, officials of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and TRIBE Culture Fest.
It wants the probe to examine alleged visa fraud and other irregularities associated with Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including claims that unauthorised visa processing fees were charged to applicants.
The Minority has also raised concerns over the alleged submission of individuals with questionable professional credentials to the United States and Canadian embassies as part of arrangements for the tournament.
It previously alleged that more than US$600,000 had been collected from people seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements, with some applicants reportedly paying as much as US$8,000.
The Minority maintains that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to establish the facts, determine responsibility and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.
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