US Embassy recognised NSA, GFA and GTA as separate entities for visa applications – Sports Minister’s aide

Special advisor to the Sports Minister, Wonder Sitsofe Mandel, clarified that the United States Embassy recognizes the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Football Association (GFA), and Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) as distinct entities capable of submitting visa applications independently. This clarification comes in response to allegations by Member of Parliament Vincent Ekow Assafuah, who claimed over 30 individuals were falsely listed as GTA board members or affiliates when submitting visa applications to the US Embassy in connection with 2026 FIFA World Cup events.

Assafuah expressed concerns about the inaccuracies, suggesting the suspension of GTA CEO Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto to allow investigations. Mandel responded to these allegations by explaining that an April 9, 2026, meeting between the Sports Ministry and the US Embassy aimed at addressing visa application procedures and combating fraud.

Following this meeting, a technical working group comprised of representatives from the Sports Ministry, GFA, the US Embassy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was formed on April 24, 2026. The group's task was to develop a streamlined process for transmitting visa application requests from state institutions and affiliated stakeholders to the embassy, allowing for both individual submissions and group applications when over 10 applicants were involved.

Mandel emphasized that while these procedures are legitimate, misuse to defraud Ghanaians or misrepresent individuals would be subject to legal consequences. He contested Assafuah's account, stating that the ministry's May 28 response expanded the initial list of four applicants to 92. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is currently investigating these allegations, and Mandel vowed that no one involved in unlawfully collecting funds, abusing official processes, or benefiting improperly would be protected.