The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has opened a corruption investigation into contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority (NSA) and alleged financial irregularities linked to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The probe follows petitions alleging abuse of public office in the selection and accreditation of sponsorship beneficiaries, the facilitation of visas, payments made by prospective travellers and the handling of sponsorship proceeds.
Investigators will also examine how travel opportunities were allocated and claims that some competition winners were left off the final lists of beneficiaries submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.
The inquiry comes as Ghana’s World Cup travel arrangements face increasing scrutiny. The issue has already led to a presidential investigation, a police probe and the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
President John Dramani Mahama suspended Mr Ampofo Ankrah on October 1, 2026, pending an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The suspension followed allegations that money had been collected from people seeking help with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament.
The controversy has also prompted criticism from the Minority in Parliament, which has raised questions about the involvement of the NSA, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and private entity TRIBE Culture Fest.
Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, has alleged inconsistencies in the lists sent to foreign diplomatic missions.
He claims 102 people were identified as NSA personnel, but that only 15 of them could be verified as employees of the Authority.
The Minority has further questioned reports that prospective travellers paid between 7,000 and 14,000 dollars. It has called for a broader investigation into the institutions and individuals connected with the arrangements.
President Mahama has established a committee to examine the alleged irregularities. However, Mr Assafuah has challenged its independence and membership, saying an independent commission of inquiry would be more appropriate.
The OSP said it would announce any additional investigative measures in accordance with its disclosure policy.
It also emphasised that opening an investigation was not an indication that wrongdoing had taken place. All individuals and institutions involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
