Accra:Fresh revelations have come to light in the alleged visa racketeering scandal linked to Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The scandal involves accusations of improper visa facilitation linked to prospective travelers intending to attend the tournament in the United States and Canada.
According to Ghana Web, JoyNews reporter Muftawu Nabila Abdulai has shared insights into the investigation, revealing that a network of contractors and sub-contractors allegedly recruited individuals for visa processing. An office was reportedly established at the National Sports Authority (NSA) to aid the visa application process, where individuals purportedly paid fees after receiving assurances of obtaining visas.
The investigation disclosed that a list of 90 individuals, presented as event coordinators or volunteers, was forwarded to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. However, only five applicants secured visas, leaving 85 others unsuccessful despite having paid for the services. This discrepancy has raised questions about the scale of the scheme and the involvement of various parties in collecting payments and making travel assurances.
Further details revealed that a letter dated May 19 from the then NSA Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, was intended to assist 90 people in traveling to the World Cup. The letter was processed through relevant ministries to ensure proper due diligence. Despite this, only a small fraction of the applicants obtained visas, leading to a petition filed with the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.
Fees for visa applications reportedly varied, with charges of $15,000 for those seeking visas to both the US and Canada and $10,000 for a US visa alone. Intermediaries played a significant role, recruiting applicants in groups and making large payments on their behalf.
An office at the NSA was allegedly set up for visa processing, enhancing the credibility of the operation in the eyes of prospective travelers. Despite denials from some involved, the existence of this office reportedly instilled confidence in the applicants.
Allegations also surfaced regarding the distribution of money collected from applicants. It was claimed that payments were divided among several individuals, with specific amounts allegedly allocated to the suspended NSA Director-General, the former NSA CEO, and others involved in the process.
The investigation continues to unravel the complexities of this alleged visa scheme, shedding light on the intricate network and financial dealings involved.