Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate alleged corruption and financial irregularities surrounding visa facilitation arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a petition dated October 15, the MP, who is the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, called for an independent investigation into the roles of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ministry of Sports and Recreation, TRIBE Culture Fest, Ghana Tourism Federation and any other individuals or entities whose involvement may be established.
Mr Assafuah wants the OSP to examine relevant documents and financial records to determine whether the arrangements provide grounds for investigating suspected corruption, related offences, financial irregularities or possible abuse of public office.
He cited the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), which empowers the institution to investigate and prosecute suspected corruption and related offences, recover proceeds of corruption and investigate complaints involving possible corruption.
“I seek an independent determination of whether the conduct disclosed by the relevant documents and financial records gives rise to reasonable grounds for investigating any suspected corruption, possible corruption-related offences, financial irregularities and the potential misuse of public office,” he stated in the petition.
The petition comes amid growing scrutiny of arrangements involving the Sports Ministry, NSA, GTA and TRIBE Culture Fest in connection with visa and travel assistance for the 2026 World Cup.
The Old Tafo MP is urging the OSP to establish the financial trail, identify those responsible for key decisions and determine whether any criminal offences have been committed.
“I respectfully urge the Office to treat this petition with the seriousness it deserves and to take the appropriate steps to establish the financial trail, identify the persons responsible for the relevant decisions and determine whether any criminal offences have been committed,” he added.
Mr Assafuah said he considers the matter one of significant public interest, particularly because it concerns the exercise of public authority, the allocation of opportunities, the accuracy of official representations, the verification of beneficiaries and the handling of funds linked to a major international sporting event.
He is seeking an independent assessment of the available evidence to establish whether the issues fall within the OSP’s jurisdiction and warrant further action under the law.
