Accra:Fresh details have emerged in the alleged visa racketeering scandal linked to Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The scandal reportedly involves a network of contractors and sub-contractors recruiting prospective travelers for visas to the United States and Canada.
According to Ghana Web, an office was allegedly set up within the National Sports Authority (NSA) to assist with visa applications. Prospective travelers were reportedly assured of help in securing visas after paying a fee. However, out of 90 individuals proposed as event coordinators or volunteers, only five obtained visas, despite payments being made.
The investigation by JoyNews reporter Muftawu Nabila Abdulai revealed that a letter from the then NSA Director-General introduced these individuals to facilitate their travel for the tournament. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had instructed relevant agencies to route such requests through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to ensure due diligence.
The report also highlights the alleged involvement of intermediaries who recruited applicants and handled payments on their behalf. Fees reportedly varied, with $15,000 charged for visas to both the US and Canada, and $10,000 for a US visa alone. In some cases, intermediaries paid large sums for groups of applicants.
An office within the NSA was reportedly established to process these visa applications, enhancing applicants' confidence in the process. The office was allegedly operated by an individual named Gyamfi, although he denied knowledge of the activities.
Further allegations suggest that payments collected from applicants were distributed among several individuals, including officials within the NSA. A petition by former NSA CEO Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere detailed the alleged distribution of funds, with specific amounts reportedly allocated to various individuals involved in the process.