Livestream: Newsfile discusses World Cup visa scandal, beach demolitions, education strikes, BRICS bid

JoyNews' flagship current affairs programme, Newsfile, is investigating four significant national issues that have captured public attention over the past week. The program will focus on allegations regarding Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup visa procedures, the demolition of structures along the La Beach area in Accra, ongoing education strikes, and the country's bid to join the BRICS economic alliance.

Livestream: Allegations of visa corruption, FIFA World Cup: The Minority in Parliament alleges that some individuals paid between $7,000 and $14,000 for visa processing. They questioned the verification process of personnel names submitted by Ghana Tourism Authority and National Sports Authority to US and Canadian embassies. President Mahama has asked former NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step down, with Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong appointed acting Director-General.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation presented a timeline of activities, stating that some World Cup arrangements existed prior to their involvement. Beach demolitions: The National Security Council Secretariat defended the demolition of structures along La Beach, claiming persistent unlawful occupation, encroachment, and unauthorized activities.

However, the Ghana Journalists Association condemned alleged attacks on journalists covering the demolitions and demanded that the Ghana Armed Forces account for their actions. Education crisis: Pre-tertiary teachers and university administrators have been on strike since September 25 due to delayed promotions, deprived-area allowances, and negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu pledged that the salary grades of at least 51,000 promoted teachers would be validated and their arrears paid by October 16 through a supplementary intervention. University of Ghana Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Gordon Awandare warned that the academic calendar could collapse if the strike extended further, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology postponed its reopening indefinitely.

Ghana's BRICS bid: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Ghana's formal application to join the BRICS economic alliance. The Minority in Parliament called for an urgent briefing, questioning the geopolitical implications and potential consequences for Ghana's national interests. Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, questioned why Ghana is seeking full membership instead of following Nigeria's approach as a BRICS partner country.