Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi AdamsSports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says some Ghanaians ignored repeated warnings against paying individuals who promised to facilitate visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.Mr Adams said information gathered after the tournament suggested that some applicants had paid individuals, including people allegedly holding official positions, without the Ministrys knowledge.The Buem MP told Citi News that he had repeatedly cautioned the public against handing money to people claiming they could use personal connections or influence to secure visas to the United States and Canada.Before the World Cup, as Minister, on several occasions I had cause to warn Ghanaians and advise Ghanaians not to give money out to anybody in the name of going to offer you a visa to go to the US or Canada, he said.He urged prospective travellers to seek assistance only from registered organisations, such as travel and tour companies, with established procedures and contractual obligations.Mr Adams said he had specifically warned against individuals who claimed to be friends of the minister or members of the World Cup oversight committee and demanded money to influence visa applications.You meet an individual who says, I know the Minister for Sports. Hes my friend. Bring something, or I know the members of the oversight committee and Ill go and influence the process. Please dont do that, he said.The minister maintained that the Ministry had not been informed of the alleged arrangements, despite indications that some applicants had disregarded his advice.The comments come amid growing scrutiny of alleged visa facilitation arrangements involving the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the National Sports Authority (NSA).The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over the arrangements, including allegations that some applicants were charged between US$7,000 and US$14,000 for visa assistance.President John Dramani Mahama has directed Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside as Director-General of the NSA while police investigate the allegations.
