The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has declined an invitation to assist a presidential committee investigating alleged irregularities surrounding Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup visa arrangements.

The Old Tafo Member of Parliament said his decision was based on principle, arguing that the committee may not be sufficiently independent to investigate allegations involving members of the government.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Mr Assafuah disclosed that the invitation was extended to him by President John Dramani Mahama through his presidential advisers.

He explained that he had chosen not to participate because he believes the President should not be responsible for investigating allegations involving his own ministers.

“The President cannot be seen to be investigating his own ministers. You cannot be a judge in your own cause,” he said.

Assafuah questions committee’s independence

Mr Assafuah also questioned the transparency of the presidential committee, claiming that its membership and terms of reference had not been made public and that its proceedings were being held behind closed doors.

He argued that the circumstances surrounding the investigation raised concerns about whether the committee could independently examine all aspects of the controversy.

Instead, the MP is calling for an independent Commission of Inquiry with powers to summon witnesses, compel the production of documents and make its findings available to the public.

He disclosed that he had petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the President to consider establishing such a commission.

Minority demands public inquiry

The Minority in Parliament has also called for a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged visa racketeering and fundraising irregularities connected to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The controversy involves allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa and travel assistance for the tournament. Some applicants were reportedly charged between US$7,000 and US$14,000.

The allegations have prompted investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

The Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has also been suspended pending investigations. The suspension does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing.

Sports Minister responds to concerns

Meanwhile, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has maintained that funds raised through the World Cup raffle remain untouched.

He has also said that winners who were unable to travel for the tournament would be compensated, either financially or through the opportunity to attend future sporting events.

The allegations and the competing calls for an independent inquiry have intensified public scrutiny of the arrangements made for Ghanaian supporters seeking to travel to the tournament.

The outcome of the ongoing investigations is expected to help establish how the visa and fundraising arrangements were handled, how much money was collected and whether any individuals or institutions breached the law.

For now, the alleged wrongdoing remains subject to investigation, and the calls for a public Commission of Inquiry continue.

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