“US Embassy introduced TRIBE Culture Fest to NSA, GTA” – Kofi Adams

Minister Kofi Adams announced during a TV3 interview on October 11 that the US Embassy brought the TRIBE Culture Fest to the attention of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in preparation for events surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The minister stated that the introduction occurred during a meeting at the US Embassy, not through a direct action by his ministry.

In the wake of scrutiny surrounding the activities involving the TRIBE Culture Fest, the NSA, and the GTA in relation to the World Cup, the minister's remarks aimed to clarify the involvement of the US Embassy in these arrangements. The controversy has raised questions about the process for submitting names to foreign embassies and the extent of public institutions' participation in facilitating travel for World Cup-related events.

Adams maintained that the NSA did not inform his ministry of any agreement reached with the US Embassy concerning visa acquisition. He emphasized that the NSA's interactions with the embassy were not solely about visa issuance, distinguishing those discussions from the ministry's efforts to create procedures for coordinating travel arrangements.

The Sports Ministry had reportedly forwarded a request from the NSA seeking visa support for 90 individuals identified as volunteers and event coordinators. However, the ministry clarified that this action did not involve choosing the applicants or guaranteeing visa approvals. The controversy has prompted the Minority in Parliament to call for a broader investigation into the roles of the Sports Ministry, NSA, GTA, and TRIBE Culture Fest, arguing that the issue extends beyond a single individual.

The allegations are currently under investigation, with authorities set to determine the full scope of the arrangements and whether any laws or procedures were breached.