Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor probes irregular World Cup visas
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 3News
Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor is investigating procurement contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority and alleged irregularities linked to visas and sponsorship for the 2026 World Cup. According to the body, payments were reportedly demanded from travellers and beneficiary lists were allegedly altered before being sent to embassies.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Ghana’s anti-corruption agency, is investigating suspected corruption in contracts of the National Sports Authority (NSA), as well as possible financial irregularities linked to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. In a public notice published on Tuesday 10 November, the OSP said it is examining alleged abuses of office in the selection and accreditation of sponsorship beneficiaries, the facilitation of visas and the management of sponsorship funds.
Investigators are seeking to establish who paid the candidates for the trip, how places were allocated and who authorised these arrangements. An investigation by the media outlet JoySports, published on 14 September, claims that more than US$623,000 was collected from about 180 travellers, who paid between $4,000 and $25,000 to obtain American and Canadian visas. According to that investigation, only around 37 applicants obtained a US visa, 46 were refused, and no Canadian visa applicant succeeded.
In a complaint filed with the police, former NSA director of operations Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere admits helping to collect money from candidates. He accuses the suspended director-general, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, of receiving $56,000 in commissions, and the director-general of the TRIBE Culture Fest festival, Nana Boateng Gyimah, of receiving $511,000. Suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on 1 October, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah denies having received money from travellers or taking part in facilitating visas.
