BY GRACE ZIGAH
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has strongly rejected allegations that it authorised the collection of about US$623,000 from members of the public in exchange for securing visas to the United States and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy follows reports alleging that individuals linked to the NSA collected money from prospective World Cup travellers on promises of facilitating their visa applications. The allegations have triggered questions about the involvement of state institutions in arrangements connected to Ghana’s World Cup activities.
But in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, the NSA categorically denied establishing or authorising any office at the stadium for the collection of money or the facilitation of visas.
“The Authority has not engaged in, sanctioned or authorised any visa-related activities of the kind alleged in the publication,” the NSA said.
The Authority also moved to clarify its relationship with TRIBE FEST, a FIFA-licensed partner involved in activities surrounding the tournament. According to the NSA, TRIBE FEST’s mandate was limited to fan-experience activities, World Cup viewing events and event mobilisation carried out in collaboration with the NSA, the Ghana Tourism Authority and other partners.
The NSA stressed that the partnership did not give TRIBE FEST, any NSA employee or any other individual permission to collect money from members of the public for the procurement of World Cup visas.
“For the avoidance of doubt, TRIBE FEST is a FIFA licensed partner in assisting with Fans-Experience activities, World Cup viewing events and event mobilisation in collaboration with the NSA and the Ghana Tourism Authority as well as other collaborators,” the statement said.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the issue of a petition reportedly submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service. The NSA confirmed that it was aware of reports concerning the petition but said the Authority had not received any formal notification from the police.
NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah had earlier denied knowledge of the alleged visa operation. The Authority’s latest statement now formally places its position on record, distancing itself from any arrangement involving the collection of money for World Cup visas.
The allegations remain a matter for investigation, particularly given the substantial amount reportedly involved and the claims that members of the public were promised access to World Cup travel documentation. The NSA’s denial means that any determination of responsibility will depend on evidence gathered by the relevant authorities.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of intense interest in the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, which attracted thousands of international visitors.
