The controversy surrounding Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is refusing to go away. If anything, the visa scandal appears to be gaining momentum, with fresh allegations and revelations emerging almost every day.
At the centre of the controversy are allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa and travel assistance in connection with the World Cup.
The scandal has already claimed its first high-profile casualty, with the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, losing his position.
Indeed, as a newspaper, we find it troubling that the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has spent considerable time moving from one radio station to another defending himself and explaining his position on the matter.
A ministry that has a communications or public relations structure should ordinarily have such a department communicating the ministry’s official position, rather than having the minister himself become its principal spokesperson on a developing scandal.
More Read
We are not suggesting that the minister should not respond to legitimate questions. He certainly should. But the intensity with which he appears to be defending himself raises an even bigger question: why is the minister having to do so much of the explaining when what Ghanaians are demanding is an independent and credible account of what happened?
President John Dramani Mahama, should ensure that the allegations are subjected to a thorough, independent and forensic investigation capable of establishing the facts and following the money wherever it leads. If wrongdoing occurred, those responsible, regardless of their position, must be identified and made to face the consequences.
As a newspaper, we refuse to accept the argument that the Minister of Youth and Sports should somehow be beyond scrutiny. Holding public office comes with responsibility and accountability. The minister, like every other public official connected to this matter, must be prepared to answer legitimate questions.
We are particularly concerned about the opacity surrounding the entire affair. Too many questions remain unanswered, and too many explanations appear to be directed at defending individuals, rather than establishing the truth.
The President has, so far, not publicly commented on the controversy. Whether he chooses to comment publicly or not, his administration cannot afford to allow the matter to fester. The credibility of the government and the integrity of Ghana’s sports administration are at stake.
We therefore believe that a forensic investigation is the only credible way of clearing the air and addressing the widespread suspicion surrounding the alleged collection of the money.
The objective should not be to find a convenient scapegoat. Nor should the dismissal or resignation of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah be presented as the end of the matter.
Ghanaians deserve to know whether there were other people behind the scenes, whether public officials were involved, and whether anyone profited from the desperation of ordinary citizens hoping to travel to support their country at the world’s biggest football tournament.
Interestingly, the expected defence of the Minister from media platforms perceived to be sympathetic to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has, so far, been surprisingly muted.
Perhaps that should serve as a lesson to those who, after assuming political power, become disconnected from the very people who helped them get there. Political power is temporary, but accountability is permanent.
When political actors choose to alienate the people who stood with them in difficult times, they should not be surprised when those people refuse to carry their burden when trouble comes.
The truth about the alleged US$600,000 must be established. The money must be accounted for. Those who collected it must be identified. Anyone who benefited improperly must be exposed, and anyone found to have broken the law must face justice.
Nothing less will suffice.
Ghanaians deserve the truth, not another convenient casualty.
