The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has demanded an immediate explanation from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs over Ghana’s handling of the alleged 2026 FIFA World Cup visa scandal, accusing the government of remaining silent on the diplomatic implications.
The party’s National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, wants the ministry to account for its engagements with the United States and Canadian missions and explain how Ghanaian applicants will be protected from possible repercussions.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Aboagye intimated that the absence of a public briefing has left “critical questions unanswered, particularly regarding the government’s communication” with the two diplomatic missions. He cautioned that allegations involving the presentation of questionable applicant details could affect ordinary Ghanaians seeking visas for legitimate travel.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been deafeningly silent on the matter,” the National Communications Director observed, urging the government to explain what measures have been taken to address the diplomatic fallout.
The NPP posits that the matter is not limited to the individuals under investigation because official correspondence and institutional representations to foreign missions are also at issue. Mr Aboagye therefore implored the ministry to provide a clear account of its engagement with the embassies and outline safeguards for future applicants.
“They must talk to the nation, brief the nation on the government engagement with the US and the Canadian embassy, and on steps they are taking to protect Ghanaian travellers from the fallout of this fraud.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
The party wants all relevant documents published, including correspondence submitted to the embassies and agreements involving the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and TRIBE Culture Fest. It argues that public access to these records would help establish how the arrangements were organised and which institutions were responsible for the different stages.
The controversy is already subject to a Criminal Investigations Department probe, following allegations of irregularities in visa facilitation linked to the tournament. The Sports Ministry has pledged co-operation with investigators, while the NPP insists that diplomatic accountability must accompany the criminal investigation.
Mr Aboagye urged the government to publish a timeline for the investigation and issue a public report when it concludes.
NPP Challenges NDC Government Over Visa Scandal Accountability
Amid mounting scrutiny over Ghana’s World Cup visa arrangements, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has challenged the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to apply the accountability standards it previously demanded of political opponents.
“This same NDC government demanded for resignations for far less issues than we are confronted with today. Ghanaians will measure this administration by the standard it set for others. We will not go lower than that. We will not even stay at the same level and we will go higher because they promised higher.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
Mr Aboagye questioned why the Sports and Recreation Minister, Honourable Kofi Adams, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto are still in office while the NSA Director-General has been asked to step aside pending an investigation. He called on both officials to “step aside or face removal.”
He also challenged the government to clarify whether the NSA Director-General has been suspended or dismissed, arguing that inconsistent public accounts have created uncertainty about the status of the action taken against him.
Mr Aboagye further demanded that the GTA explain its agreements with TRIBE Culture Fest and address questions about the lists submitted to diplomatic missions. The NPP dismissed the press statement released by the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority stating that it offers “no justification.”
NPP Seeks Public Inquiry Into World Cup Visa Arrangements
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is demanding a public inquiry into Ghana’s World Cup visa arrangements and renewed scrutiny of ticket distribution linked to the 2026 tournament.
National Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye stressed that the visa controversy should be examined alongside separate allegations that tickets purchased with public funds were subsequently resold to Ghanaian supporters.
Mr Aboagye urged Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee to “hold hearings that would allow the public to follow the evidence and understand how the travel arrangements were organised.” He also called for the publication of institutional agreements, supplementary arrangements, applicant lists and the relevant ministerial correspondence.
“The investigation, as we speak, has been left to the CID alone,” Mr Aboagye contended, calling for the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Economic and Organised Crime Office to consider whether the allegations fall within their respective mandates.
Turning to the ticket issue, the NPP communications officer cited figures attributed to the Sports Minister in Parliament, claiming that approximately US$1.26 million in public funds were spent on 2,922 match tickets. He alleged that some tickets intended for Ghanaian students and supporters were sold again, raising questions about distribution and the handling of proceeds.
“In the coming days, we will put out the full details: who received the tickets, who sold them, at what price, and through whose hands the money passed.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
Consequently, Mr Aboagye called for a clear timeline for the investigation and a public report upon its completion. He urged authorities to protect applicants who may have paid money believing they were dealing with legitimate public arrangements, including inviting them to provide information without fear and returning recovered funds where appropriate.
READ ALSO: Starlets Coach Hints at Rotation Ahead of Burkina Clash
