The chief executive of Tribe Culture Fest, Nana Boateng Gyimah, has challenged Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams to provide evidence for claims that he illegally received about US$611,000 linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa scandal.
In an interview with TV3, Mr Adams alleged that the Tribe Culture Fest CEO had collected the money unlawfully and was now promoting different narratives to avoid repaying it.
The minister identified the individual in the interview as SFY, claiming he was putting information into the public domain to obscure the circumstances surrounding the money and prevent a refund.
Nana Boateng rejected the allegations in a statement issued on October 12, 2026, saying neither he nor Tribe Culture Fest had illegally received any funds.
He said the organisation had operated under agreements with state institutions and denied receiving the alleged payment from any private individual.
“I categorically deny the allegations attributed to the Minister for Sports, Hon. Kofi Adams, that I or Tribe Culture Fest illegally received US$611,000 and [am] avoiding a refund,” the statement said.
“For the record, Tribe Culture’s agreement was solely with the National Sports Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority. Neither I nor Tribe Culture Fest received the alleged US$611,000 from any private individual in connection with the arrangements in question.”
Nana Boateng also called on Mr Adams to produce documents and payment records supporting his claims, including details of who made and received the payment, when it was made and how the figure of US$611,000 had been calculated.
“I challenge the Minister to produce the evidence supporting his claims. He must provide any agreement, authorization or consent involving me or Tribe Culture that establishes the alleged financial arrangement,” the statement added.
“He must also provide verifiable payment records showing who paid the money, who received it, when it was paid and how he arrived at the US$611,000.”
The Tribe Culture Fest CEO said the allegations risked damaging both his reputation and the organisation’s standing.
“My reputation and the integrity of Tribe Culture must not be undermined by unsubstantiated public accusations,” he said.
“I call on the Minister to substantiate his allegations or withdraw them and correct the public record or have my lawyers to deal with.”
Police investigation
The Ghana Police Service is investigating the matter to establish the circumstances surrounding the dispute.
The investigation is also intended to ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
