The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has opened an investigation into suspected corruption involving contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority (NSA) and alleged financial irregularities linked to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The OSP said it had received 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.
Its investigation will also examine how travel opportunities were allocated and claims that some winners of competitions were omitted from final beneficiary lists submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.
The announcement follows mounting controversy over Ghana’s arrangements for supporters and other travellers attending the tournament. The issue has already led to a presidential investigation, a police inquiry and the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
President John Dramani Mahama suspended Mr Ampofo Ankrah on October 1, 2026, pending a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) investigation. That inquiry is examining allegations that money was collected from prospective travellers who sought help with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament.
The controversy has also drawn scrutiny from the Minority in Parliament, which has questioned the roles played by the NSA, Ghana Tourism Authority, 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 raised concerns about alleged inconsistencies in the lists sent to foreign diplomatic missions.
He claimed 102 people had been identified as NSA personnel, but that only 15 could be verified as employees of the Authority.
The Minority has further questioned reports that prospective travellers paid between $7,000 and $14,000 for travel arrangements. It has called for a wider investigation into the institutions and individuals connected to the matter.
President Mahama has since appointed a committee to investigate the alleged irregularities. Mr Assafuah, however, has questioned the committee’s independence and membership, saying an independent commission of inquiry would be a more suitable approach.
The OSP said it would provide details of any further investigative steps in line with its disclosure policy.
It also emphasised that opening an investigation was not evidence of wrongdoing. All individuals and institutions involved remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
