Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says some Ghanaians ignored warnings not to pay individuals who promised to help them get visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Hon. Adams told Citi News that some applicants had paid individuals, including people allegedly holding official positions, without the Ministry’s knowledge.
He said he had repeatedly warned Ghanaians against giving money to people who claimed they could use their connections to secure visas to the United States and Canada.
“Before the World Cup, as Minister, on several occasions I had cause to warn Ghanaians and advise Ghanaians not to give money out to anybody in the name of going to offer you a visa to go to the US or Canada,” he said.
He advised travellers to seek help only from registered travel and tour companies with clear procedures and agreements.
Hon. Adams also warned against people who claimed to be his friends or to know members of the World Cup oversight committee and asked for money to influence visa applications.
“You meet an individual who says, ‘I know the Minister for Sports. He’s my friend. Bring something,’ or ‘I know the members of the oversight committee and I’ll go and influence the process.’ Please don’t do that,” he said.
The minister said the Ministry had not been informed of the alleged arrangements, although some applicants reportedly ignored his warnings.
The comments come amid concerns over alleged visa assistance arrangements involving the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the National Sports Authority (NSA).
The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about the issue, with reports that some applicants paid between US$7,000 and US$14,000 to get help with their visa applications.
President John Dramani Mahama has asked Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside as NSA Director-General while the police investigate the case.
By: Pascal Amoah
