Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has dismissed calls for his removal over alleged irregularities surrounding visa arrangements for supporters and officials ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that his ministry had no prior knowledge of the process.
The Buem MP responded after the Minority in Parliament called for his dismissal and possible prosecution over the arrangements, which have come under scrutiny following the suspension of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
At a press conference in Parliament, Ranking Member of the Sports Committee Vincent Ekow Assafuah alleged that some individuals who were not employees of the Sports Ministry were presented as ministry staff to facilitate visa applications.
The Minority further accused some officials of preparing documentation to support visa applications for outsiders and called for investigations into the matter.
However, Adams denied any involvement, explaining that the arrangements were handled by the NSA, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), United States Embassy and TRIBE Culture Fest without the ministry’s knowledge.
“I don’t see the justification. Both the American Embassy and TRIBE Culture Fest, the NSA and the GTA were doing their thing behind the Ministry. The Ministry didn’t know,” he told Citi News.
The minister said he only became aware of the process after receiving a letter dated 19 May, requesting the submission of names of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy.
According to Adams, the letter was forwarded to the ministry’s Chief Director, who was part of the technical committee overseeing the preparations.
He explained that the committee agreed that individuals expected to perform specific roles during the World Cup should have their details submitted to begin the necessary administrative processes.
Adams maintained that his involvement was limited to following official procedures and insisted he had no knowledge of any alleged financial dealings linked to the arrangements.
“Government money has not been lost,” he stated.
