The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Asuogyaman constituency, Pius Enam Hadzide, has openly confirmed his involvement in facilitating the travel of some Ghanaians to Australia during the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports made this admission during a campaign event where he pledged to provide similar opportunities for his constituents if voted as Member of Parliament in the upcoming elections in December 2024.
Enam Hadzide in a bold pledge, assured the voters that he would facilitate trips to the United States of America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup should he become their Member of Parliament.
"Nananom [Kings], do you know something? If you're from Ghana and flying to Australia, it’s an 18-hour flight, and people went [to Australia] through me." Pius Enam Hadzide said in the viral video.
"The next World Cup, which will be played next year, will be in America. It will take just seven hours to get there. If you want your children to go to America to work and bring money to this community, vote for me”
“No matter where you are from in this constituency, I will facilitate your travel if I become your MP."
The famous Australia Visa Scandal
Following a scandal during the 21st Commonwealth Games, President Akufo-Addo suspended Pious Enam Hadzide in April 2018.
According to reports, 60 Ghanaians tried to enter Australia under false pretenses by posing as journalists.
The matter was then investigated by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
Hadzide was reinstated in service after President Akufo-Addo exonerated him of any connection in the visa fraud by July 2018.
The president remarked during the NPP delegates in Koforidua that, "On the Australian visa scandal, which has exonerated the suspended Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports from any complicity, I will lift his suspension on Monday and return him to office."
Despite being found not guilty six years prior, Hadzide has since acknowledged that he was involved in organizing Ghanaians' trip to Australia for the occasion.
His current campaign makes extensive use of his previous tenure in government, presenting it as a tool to assist his voters in gaining access to greater prospects.
