Stay out of World Cup visa probe to avoid interfering with CID investigations – Ernest Norgbey to politicians

Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee Chairman, Ernest Norgbey, has called on politicians to refrain from interfering in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding Ghana's World Cup travel arrangements. These concerns stem from the payment of roughly $623,000 in visa facilitation fees related to the tournament.

The Minority in Parliament has demanded the immediate removal and prosecution of Sports Minister Kofi Eddie Adams and Ghana Tourism Authority Chief Executive Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah for their alleged participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa scandal. This request follows President John Mahama's suspension of NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah due to his alleged involvement in an investigation into a $623,000 visa facilitation fee.

Norgbey emphasized that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) should be permitted to carry out its work without any political pressure or commentary that might interfere with the process. While politicians can engage in political debate, investigative agencies must focus on establishing the facts. He stated that if this matter is not handled appropriately, it could be seen as a form of political play, which he is concerned about.

Norgbey expressed worry that the public debates about the allegations could potentially undermine the credibility of the investigation.

He stressed that the allegations against officials, including Sports Minister Kofi Adams, should not be considered established facts until the investigations are concluded. Norgbey also pointed out that President Mahama had already directed NSA boss Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah to step aside to allow investigations into the matter. He noted that the circumstances surrounding Ampofo-Ankrah's decision to step aside differ from those involving Sports Minister Kofi Adams, who he believes has not been invited by the CID for questioning.