The Minority in Parliament has asserted that President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to vacate his post as National Sports Authority boss is a step in the right direction, but must not end there.
According to the caucus, his exit should pave the way for a full-scale probe into the alleged 2026 World Cup visa scandal.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, October 7, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Sports Committee, Vincent Assafuah, lauded the President for heeding their call for Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s removal.
He said the demand was necessitated by the gravity of the visa allegations and the need to allow an unfettered investigation without the Director-General still in office.
But Mr Assafuah maintained that stepping aside cannot be the final action. He argued that evidence in the Minority’s possession points to a much broader network of officials who may be complicit, and therefore the matter needs deeper interrogation.
The Minority is demanding that Sports Minister Kofi Adams, top officials of the Ghana Tourism Authority, management of the National Sports Authority, key figures at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and organisers of TRIBE Culture Fest be investigated over the suspected visa fraud and other malpractices tied to Ghana’s 2026 World Cup preparations, including claims of illegal visa fees.
The group also flagged what it described as the forwarding of persons with doubtful professional backgrounds to the US and Canadian embassies under the guise of World Cup arrangements.
The Minority had previously alleged that over $600,000 was amassed from people seeking visa and travel support, with some individuals reportedly charged up to $8,000.
