NPP demands parliamentary probe into alleged $600,000 World Cup visa scam involving Sports Minister

The New Patriotic Party has escalated calls for a comprehensive parliamentary investigation into allegations that Ghanaian citizens were defrauded of more than US$600,000 whilst seeking visa and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The opposition party is specifically demanding that Parliament summon Sports Minister Kofi Adams and Ghana Tourism Authority CEO to testify and answer questions about their roles in the arrangements.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, October 15, NPP Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye outlined a detailed list of demands aimed at uncovering what he described as a potential state-sanctioned fraud that has damaged Ghana's international reputation. The party argues that a full parliamentary inquiry through the Youth and Sports Committee is essential to establish facts, identify responsible parties, and restore public confidence in state institutions.

What the NPP is demanding

Beyond summoning the minister and GTA chief executive, the NPP wants Parliament to release all documents connected to the alleged fraud. These include the memorandum of understanding between the National Sports Authority and Tribe Culture FEST, supplementary agreements, the GTA's contract with the company, visa application lists submitted to American and Canadian embassies, and a May 28, 2026 letter from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Crucially, the opposition party is pushing for protection of the allegedly defrauded citizens, many of whom were ordinary Ghanaians who trusted public institutions with their money. The NPP insists that any recovered funds must be returned to victims and that a timeline with definite deadlines should guide all investigations. Aboagye warned that open-ended probes risk deepening public suspicion of a cover-up.

Why this matters for Ghana

This scandal strikes at the heart of Ghana's international credibility during a World Cup year. Allegations that state bodies were involved in defrauding citizens seeking legitimate World Cup travel could damage Ghana's standing with key diplomatic partners, particularly the United States and Canada. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been asked to brief the public on its engagements with both embassies regarding the matter.

The incident also reflects broader concerns about institutional oversight and accountability in Ghana's public sector. When citizens lose money to schemes involving government agencies, it erodes trust in state systems and weakens compliance with legitimate government programmes. The opposition's demand for transparency and swift action suggests this has become a politically charged issue likely to dominate parliamentary discourse in the coming weeks.

For ordinary Ghanaians hoping to travel to the 2026 World Cup—a major event for the nation—this scandal creates uncertainty about safe, legitimate pathways for obtaining travel documents and visas. The protection of victims and recovery of funds should therefore be prioritised to preserve public confidence in using official channels for international travel arrangements.