{
  "id": 18350877,
  "title": "Minority demands commission of inquiry into World Cup Visa Racketeering Scandal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/minority-demands-commission-of-inquiry-into-world-cup-visa",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-05T18:00:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/news/minority-demands-commission-of-inquiry-into-world-cup-visa-racketeering-scandal/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana's minority party in Parliament is demanding a Commission of Inquiry into alleged visa racketeering linked to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Kwame Bediako. The Minority claims that over $600,000 was collected from applicants seeking assistance with travel documents, with charges ranging from $7,000 to $14,000 reported. Investigations by the CID have been launched in response to these claims.\n\nThe controversy intensified following the suspension of the National Sports Authority's Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, on October 1, as the probe continues. However, the Presidency has stated that this suspension does not constitute a finding of guilt.\n\nRanking Minority Member Vincent Ekow Assafuah has declined an invitation to a Presidential Committee, insisting on a public, independent commission with the authority to subpoena evidence. He argues that such a commission is necessary to examine the facts transparently.\n\nThe allegations extend beyond the National Sports Authority, implicating the Sports Ministry, Ghana Tourism Authority, the National Sports Directorate (NSA), and a private entity called TRIBE Culture Fest. According to reports, 85 out of 90 individuals who were accused of paying between $10,000 and $15,000 for visas never received the visas as promised. Some were even given interview dates for events that had already concluded.",
  "summary": "By Kwame Bediako Ghana’s Minority in Parliament is pushing for a Commission of Inquiry into alleged visa racketeering tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after claims that over $600,000 was collected from applicants seeking travel assistance. Ranking Member Vincent Ekow Assafuah revealed some were charged between $7,000 and $14,000, sparking CID investigations. The controversy […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Minority petitions OSP over alleged World Cup ticket scam involving 229 winners",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/minority-petitions-osp-over-alleged-world-cup-ticket-scam-involving",
        "published": "2026-11-05T17:25:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Sports Minister assures compensation for World Cup Raffle Winners who missed trip",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/sports-minister-assures-compensation-for-world-cup-raffle-winners-who",
        "published": "2026-11-05T19:04:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}