World Cup visa scandal: Senyo Hosi says issue goes beyond calls for Sports Minister’s resignation
Convener of the OneGhana Movement and Trustee of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, Senyo Hosi, has called for the controversy surrounding Ghana’s visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be addressed as a matter of constitutional compliance and accountability, rather than focusing solely on whether the Sports Minister should resign.
Senyo Hosi, leader of the OneGhana Movement and chair of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, urged the public to focus on constitutional accountability following controversy over Ghana's visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rather than calling for the Sports Minister's resignation. Hosi expressed disappointment in Ghana's repeated failure to uphold high standards, warning the situation posed risks to the nation's reputation, public trust and values passed on to future generations.
He emphasized that officials must uphold probity, accountability and legal compliance. Citing Article 232 of the 1992 Constitution, Hosi called for administrative bodies and public officials to act fairly, reasonably and in compliance with their legal obligations, questioning whether the incident would teach young people a lesson, particularly given previous criticism under earlier administrations.
Hosi defended the Minority's right to investigate the matter, urging balance and fairness in approach, following allegations by Ranking Member of Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee Vincent Ekow Assafuah that individuals paid between US$7,000 and US$14,000 for visa processing linked to World Cup-related activities. The Minority questioned the verification of personnel lists submitted by Ghana Tourism Authority and National Sports Authority to US and Canadian embassies, claiming only two of 50 names submitted by GTA and 15 of 102 names submitted by NSA were verified.
President Mahama asked former NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside, appointing Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong as acting Director-General. The Ministry of Sports and Recreation provided a timeline, citing correspondence dating January 28, 2026, indicating some World Cup fan experience arrangements predated the Ministry's involvement.
Hosi stressed that Ghanaians should trust their governments, regardless of the ruling party, insisting officials fulfill citizens' aspirations.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
