The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana has initiated an investigation into alleged corruption connected to contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority (NSA) for the country's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The probe covers allegations of financial misconduct, including claims that prospective World Cup travellers paid between $7,000 and $14,000 to secure spots on the trip to North America. This investigation follows petitions pointing to abuse of public office in sponsorship arrangements, visa facilitation, and payments collected from prospective travellers.
The OSP's investigation will examine how travel slots were distributed, including claims that certain competition winners were dropped from beneficiary lists before they were submitted to foreign diplomatic missions. This controversy has already led to a chain of institutional responses, including the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah on October 1, 2026. A Criminal Investigations Department (CID) inquiry and a presidential committee were established to look into the matter, highlighting reports of irregularities in the travel arrangements.
In Parliament, the Minority questioned the roles played by the NSA, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and private outfit TRIBE Culture Fest in organising the travel arrangements. According to Ghanasoccernet, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee, stated that of the 102 individuals listed as NSA personnel in the arrangements, only 15 could be verified as actual employees of the Authority. This raised concerns about the legitimacy of the travel arrangements.
The Minority also raised concerns about the independence of the presidential committee established to look into the allegations, calling instead for a full commission of inquiry. The OSP noted that initiating an investigation does not amount to a finding of guilt, stressing that every individual and institution connected to the matter remains presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise. This investigation adds fresh momentum to a controversy that has generated significant public interest.
The alleged 2026 World Cup visa scheme reportedly generated more than US$600,000, with prospective travellers paying sums ranging from $7,000 to $14,000 to secure a place on the trip. Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has succeeded Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA). The OSP's investigation will aim to uncover the truth behind these allegations and determine whether public office was abused in the sponsorship arrangements.
The controversy has sparked debate about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds and resources. The OSP's investigation is expected to shed more light on the matter and potentially lead to further action against those found to be involved in any wrongdoing. The public is eagerly awaiting the outcome of this investigation and any subsequent actions that may be taken.
The Ghanaian government's response to this controversy will be closely watched, as it seeks to restore public trust and demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability. The OSP's investigation is a significant step towards addressing the allegations of corruption and financial misconduct, and its findings are expected to have far-reaching implications for those involved.
Key points
- The OSP is investigating suspected corruption involving NSA contracts for the 2026 World Cup travel, with allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of public office.
- The investigation follows a chain of institutional responses, including the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and the establishment of a CID inquiry and presidential committee.
- The controversy has sparked debate about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds and resources in Ghana.
