OSP opens corruption investigation into Ghana’s 2026 World Cup travel arrangements

Yaw Ampofo AnkrahThe Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched investigations into suspected corruption involving contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority (NSA) and alleged financial irregularities linked to Ghanas participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.In a statement, the OSP said it had received petitions alleging abuse of public office in the selection and accreditation of sponsorship beneficiaries, visa facilitation, payments by prospective travellers and the management of sponsorship proceeds.The investigation will also focus on the allocation of travel opportunities and claims that some competition winners were excluded from the final lists of beneficiaries submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.The probe follows growing controversy over Ghanas World Cup travel arrangements, which has prompted a presidential investigation, a police inquiry and the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.President John Dramani Mahama suspended Mr Ampofo Ankrah on October 1, 2026, pending a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) investigation into allegations that prospective travellers were charged money for assistance with visa and travel arrangements for the tournament.The controversy has also attracted criticism from the Minority in Parliament, which has questioned the respective roles of the NSA, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Sports and Recreation and private entity TRIBE Culture Fest.The Ranking Member of Parliaments Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has alleged discrepancies in the beneficiary lists submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.He claims that although 102 people were presented as NSA personnel, only 15 could be verified as employees of the Authority.The Minority has also raised concerns over reports that prospective travellers paid between $7,000 and $14,000, calling for a broader investigation into the institutions and individuals involved.President Mahama has subsequently established a committee to investigate the alleged irregularities. However, Mr Assafuah has questioned its independence and composition, arguing that an independent commission of inquiry would be more appropriate.The OSP said it would communicate any further investigative action in accordance with its disclosure policy.It also emphasised that the commencement of an investigation does not establish wrongdoing, stressing that all individuals and institutions involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty.



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