The Ranking Member on Parliament's Sports and Recreation Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has accused Ghana's Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, of lying about his knowledge of TRIBE Culture Fest's involvement in the alleged World Cup visa scandal. Assafuah claims that a US Embassy email proves the Sports Ministry knew about TRIBE Culture's involvement long before March or April as claimed. The email, signed by Mimi Kuukua Coofie, was a build-up from meetings held between the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and TRIBE Culture Fest.
According to Assafuah, the US Embassy email shows that TRIBE Culture Fest was introduced at earlier stakeholder engagements. The email, dated October 22nd, 2025, was a follow-up to a meeting between the US Embassy and stakeholders, including the NSA, GTA, and TRIBE Culture Fest. Assafuah explained that the content of the mail "means the 22nd October 2025 meeting was the second meeting as far as the TRIBE Culture Fest introduction was concerned." This contradicts the Minister's claim that he was unaware of TRIBE Culture Fest's involvement until March or April.
The allegations against TRIBE Culture Fest involve claims that some Ghanaians who sought to travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the US, Mexico, and Canada were charged between $8,000 and $9,000 under arrangements involving the NSA, GTA, and TRIBE Culture Fest. This is despite an official agreement of $3,000 for US visas and $2,000 for Canada. The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has said there is still no evidence that Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, collected $8,000, $9,000 or $10,000 from any applicant.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) CEO, Maame Efua Houadjeto, has also denied personal involvement in the sale of visas. However, Assafuah's comments suggest that the Sports Ministry was aware of TRIBE Culture Fest's involvement in the visa arrangements. He stated that "if the Minister says that he is unaware of any meeting or he is unaware of TRIBE Culture Fest involvement with NSA, he is lying."
The controversy surrounding TRIBE Culture Fest's involvement in the World Cup visa scandal has raised questions about the Sports Ministry's handling of the process. Assafuah's allegations against the Minister have added fuel to the fire, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. The Sports Ministry has yet to respond to Assafuah's claims.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and many Ghanaians are eager to travel to watch the tournament. However, the visa scandal has left many applicants feeling frustrated and disappointed. The Sports Ministry's reputation has also taken a hit, with many questioning the Ministry's transparency and accountability.
An investigation into the allegations against TRIBE Culture Fest and the Sports Ministry is expected to be launched soon. The outcome of the investigation is likely to have significant implications for the Sports Ministry and those involved in the alleged scandal. Key points to watch include the extent of the Minister's knowledge of TRIBE Culture Fest's involvement and whether any officials will face consequences for their actions.
Key points
- Sports Minister accused of lying about knowledge of TRIBE Culture Fest's involvement
- US Embassy email reveals Sports Ministry knew about TRIBE Culture Fest's involvement before March or April
- Investigation into allegations against TRIBE Culture Fest and Sports Ministry expected to be launched soon
