Samson Deen urges media to stop discussing 2026 World Cup visa scandal

Samson Deen, the President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC), has appealed to the Ghanaian media to cease public commentary and debate regarding the 2026 World Cup visa scandal. Speaking on the matter, Deen expressed grave concern that the persistent coverage and public scrutiny of the controversy are significantly damaging Ghana’s image on the international stage. He cautioned that if the public discourse continues unabated, it could create substantial hurdles for various Ghanaian national teams seeking to compete in future global sporting events.

The controversy, which revolves around allegations and investigations into visa procurement processes for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, has dominated local headlines. According to Deen, his extensive experience within international sports administration suggests that such sustained negative publicity often results in stricter visa protocols and a breakdown of trust with foreign diplomatic missions. He emphasized that the narrative currently being projected is "hurting" the nation and urged media houses to exercise restraint in how they manage the issue to avoid further reputational harm.

Deen’s call highlights the ongoing tension between media transparency and the preservation of national interests in the sporting sector. While acknowledging the media's role in reporting on administrative issues, the APC President warned that the scale of the current discussion risks isolating Ghana from the international community. He noted that the long-term consequences of this reputational damage could manifest as visa denials for athletes and officials ahead of major championships, which would ultimately stall the growth and participation of Ghanaian sports on the world stage.