The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched an investigation into suspected corruption involving the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Ghana's travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The OSP said it had received petitions over alleged abuse of office in the selection of sponsorship beneficiaries, visa assistance, payments by prospective travellers and the management of sponsorship funds.
The investigation will also examine how travel opportunities were shared and claims that some competition winners were left out of the final lists submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.
The probe follows growing controversy over Ghana's World Cup travel arrangements, which has already led to a presidential investigation, a police inquiry and the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah on October 1, 2026.
President John Dramani Mahama suspended Ampofo Ankrah pending a CID investigation into claims that prospective travellers were charged money for help with visa and travel arrangements.
The Minority in Parliament has also questioned the roles of the NSA, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Sports and Recreation and private entity TRIBE Culture Fest.
Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee, claims that although 102 people were listed as NSA staff, only 15 could be confirmed as employees. The Minority has also raised concerns over reports that some travellers paid between $7,000 and $14,000.
Although President Mahama has formed a committee to investigate the matter, Assafuah has questioned its independence and called for an independent commission of inquiry.
The OSP says it will provide updates on further action in line with its disclosure policy. It has stressed that the investigation does not mean anyone is guilty and that all individuals and institutions involved are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
By: Pascal Amoah
