Kofi Adams rejects dismissal calls over World Cup visa scandal

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has flatly rejected demands from the Minority in Parliament for his dismissal following a scandal involving failed visa applications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adams maintains there is no justification for his removal, asserting that no government funds were compromised and that his ministry was not directly involved in the private arrangements. The Minority has called for both his dismissal and prosecution, alongside the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, over their alleged roles in the controversy.

The scandal involves reports that approximately 90 individuals paid between $10,000 and $15,000 each to secure travel documents for the tournament, yet only five applicants were successful. Minister Adams has accused a private entity, TRIBE Culture Fest, of defrauding these applicants of an estimated $623,000. While the CEO of TRIBE, Nana Boateng Gyimah, has insisted the organization only dealt with government agencies, the matter has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a full inquiry.

Providing a timeline of the events, Adams explained that he only became aware of the irregularities through a letter from the United States Embassy dated May 19. He emphasized that the ministry had previously issued warnings to the public against using intermediaries for visa assistance. According to the Minister, many Ghanaians ignored these cautions and engaged in private transactions without the ministry's knowledge, often with individuals misrepresenting their influence over the application process.

In response to the growing controversy, President John Mahama has already directed the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, to step aside while police investigations proceed. While the executive probe continues, Adams remains firm that accountability should rest with the private entities involved and individuals who disregarded official travel protocols, rather than the leadership of the Sports Ministry.