Minority petitions OSP over alleged World Cup ticket scam involving 229 winners

The Minority is demanding an independent investigation into allegations of fraud linked to the government's World Cup sponsorship program, alleging that 229 sports enthusiasts were mistakenly declared winners in two separate contests but omitted from the list forwarded to the US and Canadian embassies. The caucus claims the situation constitutes a state-sanctioned scheme to defraud sports fans under the pretext of sponsoring them for the World Cup.

In a parliamentary address, the Minority's Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, stated that participants invested resources in the two contests, yet the declared winners were not included in the list delivered to the embassies. The Minority is also seeking an independent probe by the Auditor-General and compensation for those affected.

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, refutes the claims as unfounded, asserting that five out of the 31 winners attended the World Cup, while unsuccessful applicants were given the chance to participate in subsequent competitions or receive monetary incentives. The dispute has sparked questions about the selection process and the outcomes of those declared winners who did not travel.

The Minority has ruled out joining a presidential investigation, emphasizing the necessity for an impartial inquiry. This controversy has reignited discussions about the World Cup sponsorship program, with the Minority calling for accountability and financial reparation for those it asserts were wronged.