Convener of the OneGhana Movement and Trustee of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, Senyo Hosi, has accused individuals of exploiting public office to facilitate alleged fraud in the controversy surrounding visa applications linked to Ghana's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made these accusations on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, October 10, 2026. According to Mr. Hosi, the focus should be on allegations that individuals used their positions and connections to facilitate visa applications and collect money from unsuspecting applicants.
The controversy surrounding the World Cup visa scandal has intensified, with allegations that about US$623,000 was received from prospective travelers seeking assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the World Cup. President John Dramani Mahama has since asked the National Sports Authority Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, to step aside, with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed as acting Director-General. The matter is currently under police investigation.
Mr. Hosi has called for accountability for all those found culpable, insisting that the matter should not be reduced to political exchanges over the role of Sports Minister Kofi Adams. He emphasized that the core matter is that people have leveraged public office to facilitate fraud, and citizens' money has been collected. Mr. Hosi added that reports of people allegedly being defrauded should be central to the public discussion, rather than political arguments over which officials should resign.
The OneGhana Movement convener also challenged political parties to examine the values they promote among their members, arguing that the alleged conduct raises concerns about the use of political influence to secure travel opportunities. He urged President John Mahama to ensure that the matter is addressed, warning that failure to deal with the alleged wrongdoing could damage public confidence in his administration.
Mr. Hosi cautioned against making the Sports Minister the sole focus of the controversy, arguing that officials who receive information from state institutions may have reasonable grounds to rely on the accuracy of what they are given, subject to the circumstances. He questioned claims that the minister was complicit or negligent in relation to a list of visa applicants, arguing that the public debate should instead establish who facilitated the alleged scheme and who should be held responsible.
The controversy has led to the suspension of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah amid allegations of irregularities involving visa applications linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mr. Hosi urged President John Mahama to take action, stating that if he fails to deal with the issue, it will be a two-time disgrace to his presidency.
Key stakeholders, including political parties and state institutions, are expected to play a crucial role in addressing the alleged wrongdoing and ensuring accountability. The matter is expected to have far-reaching implications for public attitudes towards accountability and the use of personal connections to gain access to opportunities.
Key points
- Senyo Hosi accuses individuals of exploiting public office to facilitate alleged fraud in Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup visa applications.
- The controversy has led to the suspension of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah amid allegations of irregularities involving visa applications linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- President John Dramani Mahama has asked the National Sports Authority Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, to step aside, with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed as acting Director-General.
