The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has rejected an invitation from President John Dramani Mahama to appear before a government-established committee investigating alleged irregularities surrounding Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup visa arrangements.
Mr Assafuah explained that his decision to boycott the committee’s proceedings was based on concerns about its independence, transparency and credibility.
He argued that the committee’s structure raises questions about its ability to conduct an impartial investigation, particularly because the allegations involve government officials and institutions.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the Minority MP disclosed that he had been invited through presidential advisers to provide information to assist the committee’s investigations.
However, he said he had declined the invitation on principle, insisting that the President should not be seen as overseeing an investigation into allegations involving members of his own government.
Mr Assafuah maintained that allowing the government to investigate allegations involving its own appointees could undermine public confidence in the entire process.
He also questioned the secrecy surrounding the committee, pointing out that its membership, terms of reference and proceedings had not been made publicly accessible.
According to him, the absence of publicly available information about the committee’s operations raises serious concerns about accountability and transparency.
The Ranking Member disclosed that he had petitioned both the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and President Mahama, calling for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged visa and fundraising irregularities.
He believes Ghana needs an impartial investigative body with the authority to summon individuals, obtain relevant evidence, make its findings public and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
His position comes amid growing pressure from the Minority in Parliament for the government to take decisive action over allegations of financial misconduct linked to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy centres on claims that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa and travel assistance to attend the global football tournament. Some applicants were reportedly charged between US$7,000 and US$14,000.
The allegations have prompted investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported payments and identify anyone who may have engaged in wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigations.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Tourism Authority have both denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that their involvement in the arrangements did not include collecting money in exchange for visa approvals.
The unfolding FIFA World Cup visa controversy has intensified public debate about transparency, accountability and the management of Ghana’s international sporting engagements, with calls growing for a credible investigation to establish the facts.
Source: newsthemegh.com