Ghana NSA: Denies World Cup Visa Allegations Amid Police Probe

• The National Sports Authority (NSA) has denied authorizing the collection of approximately $623,000 for 2026 World Cup visas to the US and Canada.
• Allegations claim individuals associated with the NSA received funds from the public in exchange for promises of visa facilitation.
• The NSA clarified its partnership with TRIBE FEST, stating it did not extend to visa-related activities or money collection on its behalf.
• A petition dated September 8, 2026, has reportedly been filed with the Ghana Police CID concerning these alleged visa transactions.
• The Authority pledges full cooperation with any formal investigation and asserts that individuals found responsible for wrongdoing will face legal consequences.

The National Sports Authority has firmly denied any institutional involvement in the alleged collection of approximately $623,000 from individuals seeking visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States and Canada.

The National Sports Authority (NSA) in Ghana is currently embroiled in controversy following serious allegations concerning unauthorized visa facilitation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reports indicate that individuals purportedly linked to the NSA collected a substantial sum, approximately $623,000, from members of the public. These funds were allegedly exchanged for promises of securing visas to the United States and Canada, the host nations for the global football tournament.

In response to these claims, the NSA issued a statement on Tuesday, September 15, firmly denying any institutional involvement. The Authority explicitly stated it had not established, authorized, or operated any office at the stadium for the purpose of collecting money or facilitating visas. It further clarified that it had not engaged in, sanctioned, or authorized any visa-related activities of the kind alleged in the public reports.

The NSA also addressed its relationship with TRIBE FEST, a FIFA-licensed partner. While acknowledging TRIBE FEST's legitimate role in assisting with Fans-Experience activities, World Cup viewing events, and event mobilization in collaboration with the NSA and the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Authority stressed that this arrangement did not extend to authorizing TRIBE FEST, any NSA employee, or any other person to collect money for visa procurement on its behalf. Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah had previously denied knowledge of such activities when contacted by JoySports' Muftawu Nabila Abdulai regarding the visa claims.

The unfolding situation has prompted official action, with the NSA confirming its awareness of a petition reportedly submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. This petition, dated September 8, 2026, details allegations related to World Cup visa transactions, specifically mentioning the NSA and TRIBE FEST. It outlines claims of money being collected from prospective travelers seeking assistance with visas for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite this, the NSA stated it has not yet received formal notification from the police regarding the full particulars of the alleged petition and therefore would not speculate on its contents or the individuals named within it. The Authority, however, emphasized its commitment to taking the allegations seriously and pledged full cooperation with the Ghana Police Service should a formal investigation be initiated. This includes ensuring that the Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and any other relevant officers would make themselves available and provide all necessary assistance if invited by the police.

The NSA further asserted that if credible evidence establishes wrongdoing by any employee, official, or third party, it expects the police to deal with those responsible in accordance with the law. The Authority also sought to clearly distance itself as an institution from any alleged misconduct by individuals associated with it, underscoring that such actions should not be attributed to the NSA itself.

The allegations of a 2026 World Cup visa scam carry significant implications for public trust and the integrity of national sports bodies. The potential for a criminal investigation by the Ghana Police CID into what could be construed as National Sports Authority Ghana fraud highlights the serious nature of the claims. The NSA's proactive stance in urging caution until investigations are complete, coupled with its promise of full cooperation, is crucial in managing public perception amidst these Ghana NSA World Cup visa allegations.

This incident underscores the critical need for transparency and robust oversight in public-private partnerships, particularly those involving large-scale international events. The Authority's insistence that any established wrongdoing will be met with legal consequences reinforces the principle of accountability, aiming to reassure the public that justice will be pursued if the alleged visa scam is substantiated. The outcome of the Ghana Police CID NSA investigation will be closely watched, as it could have lasting effects on the reputation of the National Sports Authority and its future collaborations.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor this developing situation for potential criminal investigations into visa fraud, particularly if their clients were among those who paid money. It also highlights the importance of robust due diligence for entities partnering with public bodies on large-scale events, to mitigate risks associated with third-party actions and reputational damage.

Source: Original reporting via JoySports