Old Tafo:Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, has called for investigations into alleged irregularities related to visa facilitation, beneficiary selection, and financial transactions surrounding Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The entities involved include the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), among others.
According to Ghana Web, Assafuah has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to conduct thorough investigations. He has also requested President John Dramani Mahama to establish a Presidential Commission of Inquiry. The petitions cite issues such as visa facilitation charges of up to US$3,000 per person and discrepancies in the lists of individuals presented as NSA personnel.
Assafuah has emphasized that the allegations should not be assumed as established wrongdoing. Instead, he insists on an independent, evidence-based process to provide explanations from the appropriate institutions. A significant concern involves a Memorandum of Understanding between the NSA and TRIBE Culture Fest, which included charges for visa facilitation.
The petitions also address the identification and verification of individuals listed as NSA personnel. Correspondence from the NSA to the United States Embassy certified some individuals for World Cup-related events. However, only 15 out of 102 names submitted for verification could be confirmed as NSA personnel.
Further scrutiny is called for regarding the GTA's allocation of visa-related opportunities and financial management. There are questions about the allocation of 400 U.S. and 800 Canadian visa slots, sponsorship proceeds, and the purchase of World Cup tickets.
Assafuah is also concerned about arrangements involving the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) and wants investigators to trace financial transactions to determine possible corruption or misuse of public office. He has urged the OSP to consider whether the evidence meets the criteria for further investigation or prosecution under relevant laws.
Beyond these investigations, Assafuah has petitioned President Mahama to establish a Presidential Commission of Inquiry, citing a precedent set by the 2014 Dzamefe Commission which examined similar issues. The goal is to ensure accountability and determine the legitimacy of the arrangements without prejudging any allegations. The petitions have yet to be formally accepted or acted upon by the relevant authorities.