The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has opened investigations into suspected corruption and financial irregularities surrounding Ghana’s travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The investigation centres on contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority (NSA) and allegations of 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 OSP is also investigating claims that some competition winners were excluded from the final lists of beneficiaries submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.
The development follows controversy over Ghana’s World Cup travel arrangements, which has already resulted in the suspension of NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah by President John Dramani Mahama on October 1, 2026, pending a CID investigation.
The Minority in Parliament has also raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in the beneficiary lists, with the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, claiming that only 15 of the 102 individuals presented as NSA personnel could be verified as employees of the Authority.
The Minority has further questioned reports that prospective travellers were charged between 7,000 and 14,000 dollars for assistance with visa and travel arrangements.
The OSP says the commencement of investigations does not establish wrongdoing, emphasising that all individuals and institutions involved remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office says it will communicate further investigative developments in accordance with its disclosure policy.
