Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has dismissed demands for his removal over alleged irregularities in Ghana’s visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minority in Parliament is calling for Adams to be dismissed and prosecuted, along with Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto. The demands relate to alleged involvement in the controversy surrounding visa assistance for people seeking to attend the tournament.
Adams said there was no basis for his dismissal, insisting that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation was not aware of the arrangements when they were being made.
Speaking to Citi News, he said the National Sports Authority (NSA), GTA and private events company TRIBE Culture Fest had been managing their respective processes independently.
“Well, I don’t see the justification. Both the American Embassy and TRIBE Culture Fest, the NSA and the GTA were doing their thing behind the Ministry. The Ministry didn’t know,” he said.
The dispute centres on claims that prospective travellers paid substantial amounts for help with securing visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reports suggest about 90 people were involved in one disputed arrangement.
Adams has said the total sum linked to allegations against TRIBE Culture Fest is US$623,000.
The controversy escalated after President John Dramani Mahama suspended NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah while investigations continue.
Adams said he only became aware of the details after the ministry received a letter dated May 19. The letter asked it to submit the names of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy.
He maintained that the ministry had not been involved in any wrongdoing and said it was assisting the Criminal Investigations Department with its investigation.
The Sports Ministry has also rejected allegations that it played a role in the disputed visa arrangements.
The Minority’s call for action against Adams and Maame Efua Houadjeto follows growing scrutiny of the roles played by the public institutions and TRIBE Culture Fest in the process.
Adams said the separate activities conducted by the NSA, GTA, TRIBE Culture Fest and the American Embassy took place without the ministry’s knowledge, and argued that this was why the allegations did not provide grounds for his dismissal.