The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to sack and prosecute the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, over claims of his alleged involvement in the visa controversy surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This comes after reports about the processing of visas for Ghanaians who travelled to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including claims that non-officials were presented as public-sector employees to support their visa applications.

Thirteen days after the allegations surfaced and the Minority called for the dismissal of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, President Mahama asked him to step aside while investigations are conducted into the allegations.

The investigations include claims that about US$623,000 was charged in visa facilitation fees connected to Ghana’s World Cup travel arrangements, as well as allegations that individuals who were not employees of the Ministry of Sports or related public institutions were presented as staff or affiliates during the visa application process.

The Minority claims that documents suggest the involvement of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), TRIBE Culture Fest, and officials within the Sports Ministry.

There are also allegations that some people paid between US$7,000 and US$14,000 to gain access to the visa arrangement process.

In light of this, the Minority insists that President Mahama remove both the Sports Minister and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) if investigations establish that they were involved in any wrongdoing.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, October 7, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Sports Committee Vincent Ekow Assafuah said the allegations raise serious questions about the processes used to facilitate the travel of individuals to the United States for the World Cup.

“This raises serious questions about the processes used to facilitate the travel of individuals to the United States for the World Cup,” Mr Assafuah said.

The Minority says the investigation should go beyond the NSA boss and examine the roles of all officials who may have been involved.

“The dismissal of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah does not, by itself, resolve the issues before us. Accountability cannot and does not end with one individual,” Mr Assafuah said.

He added: “Dismissal is not prosecution. Removal from office is not accountability for criminal conduct. Where there is evidence of a crime, the appropriate law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities must pursue the matter.”