The lawyer for Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Jerry Avernugbor, has stated that his client has not taken or received any money to facilitate visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile, Avernugbor emphasized that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is aggressively investigating the matter and urged the public to allow the process to establish the facts. He mentioned that his client and he have been attending interviews at the CID headquarters.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was suspended as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) amid controversy over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the tournament. Avernugbor maintained that his client had neither received money from applicants nor participated in any visa-related transactions. He stressed that his client has not received a penny from any individual, adding that the evidence available to investigators could lead to conclusions different from those being drawn from documents circulating publicly.
According to Avernugbor, the CID has been investigating for the past week and has seen documents relating to the allegations. However, he cautioned against interpreting them without considering the full circumstances. The lawyer also mentioned that his client was introduced to a company through a representative at the US Embassy, which presented the company as a legitimate entity.
Avernugbor added that his client designated an assistant as the point of contact after the embassy requested one. He acknowledged that the investigation could establish wrongdoing but insisted that any conclusions about his client's involvement should be based on the evidence. The lawyer emphasized that if his client is found guilty, the law will take its course.
The CID is investigating allegations of irregularities involving visa applications linked to Ghana's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding individuals alleged to have paid money in connection with the visa applications. Avernugbor indicated that the police are doing well in the investigation.
The controversy surrounding Yaw Ampofo Ankrah's alleged involvement in the visa scandal led to his suspension and the appointment of Prof. Emmanuel Sarpong as the new NSA boss. The Minority has urged a full probe into the World Cup visa allegations, and there have been calls for accountability over the issue.
The World Cup visa scandal has sparked widespread debate, with some individuals calling for the resignation of the Sports Minister. Others have expressed concerns about the impact of the scandal on Ghana's sports sector. The investigation is ongoing, and the public is awaiting the outcome.
Key points
- Yaw Ampofo Ankrah's lawyer denies allegations of receiving money for 2026 FIFA World Cup visas.
- The CID is investigating allegations of irregularities involving visa applications linked to Ghana's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was suspended as the Director-General of the National Sports Authority amid controversy over the alleged visa facilitation arrangement.
