Majority Leader James Agalga has issued a strong warning that no government official implicated in the alleged 2026 FIFA World Cup visa scandal will escape accountability under President John Dramani Mahama's administration.
Agalga, who is also the MP for Builsa North, says President Mahama will not shield anyone found guilty, adding that those involved in the scandal will face the necessary punishment after investigations are completed.
The Ghana Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is investigating claims that more than US$600,000 was taken from people seeking help with visas and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy has also triggered calls for Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams to appear before Parliament, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin demanding answers over the alleged visa facilitation arrangements.
However, responding to the Minority Leader's demand, Agalga maintained that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability, insisting that no individual will be protected if found culpable.
He pointed to President Mahama's record of allowing investigations and prosecutions involving his own appointees, arguing that it demonstrates his determination to deal with wrongdoing.
"Nobody is going to be shielded. Our president (John Mahama) has that track record because he's the only president who allowed his own appointees to be prosecuted," he said.
Agalga also took aim at the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, accusing former President Nana Akufo-Addo of failing to show a similar commitment to accountability.
"You remember in 2015, thereabouts? Yes. But after that, no president has ever done that. The former president (Nana Akufo-Addo) refused," he added.
Meanwhile, President Mahama has suspended National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as investigations into the alleged visa scandal continue.
The probe is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged collection of money and determine whether any public officials were involved in the matter.
By: Pascal Amoah
