Kofi Adams Rejects Calls for Dismissal Over World Cup Visa Scandal, Says No Government Money Was Lost
By Achore Richard
Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has rejected calls for his removal over the controversy surrounding visa arrangements for Ghanaian supporters and officials ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that there is no justification for his dismissal because no government funds have been lost.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Tuesday, October 13, Mr Adams maintained that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation was not involved in the initial arrangements and only became aware of the process when a letter requesting assistance with visa-related documentation reached the Ministry in May.
“Well, 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 said.
The Minister’s comments come amid growing public scrutiny of alleged irregularities in visa arrangements linked to Ghana’s participation in the global football tournament, with the Minority in Parliament demanding accountability and calling for his dismissal and prosecution.
Visa scandal raises financial and accountability questions
The controversy centres on allegations that prospective travellers paid substantial sums to individuals and intermediaries who purported to assist them in securing visas to travel to the United States for the World Cup.
Reports indicate that about 90 people were involved in the arrangements, with allegations that applicants paid between US$10,000 and US$15,000 each, while only five reportedly obtained visas.
The alleged transactions have raised questions about the roles of the National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and private event organisation TRIBE Culture Fest.
Mr Adams has accused individuals associated with the arrangements of defrauding applicants and insisted that anyone found culpable, including public officials, must be held accountable.
He has also put the amount at the centre of the allegations at US$623,000, disputing an earlier figure of US$611,000. However, TRIBE Culture Fest chief executive officer Nana Boateng Gyimah has denied the allegations, maintaining that the organisation’s agreements were with the NSA and GTA and disputing claims that it received the alleged funds from private individuals.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and responsibility for any wrongdoing has yet to be conclusively established.
Minister says his role was administrative
Mr Adams said the first time he became aware of the details of the arrangements was when a letter dated May 19, 2026, requested that the Ministry forward the names of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United States Embassy.
He explained that the letter was referred to the Ministry’s Chief Director, who serves on the technical committee overseeing the arrangements, and maintained that his role was limited to forwarding the request through the appropriate administrative channels.
The Minister denied having prior knowledge of the alleged financial transactions and argued that the payments were made by private individuals without the government’s knowledge.
“Government money has not been lost,” he stressed.
Minority demands accountability as CID investigates
The Minority’s calls for Mr Adams’ removal followed allegations presented by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Sports Committee. The allegations included claims that individuals who were not Ministry employees had been presented for visa-related processing using documentation that allegedly misrepresented their positions.
The controversy has also placed the NSA and GTA under scrutiny. NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has been asked to step aside amid the investigation, although the full circumstances and findings relating to the alleged visa arrangements remain subject to official scrutiny.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the matter, including allegations surrounding payments, refunds and the involvement of public institutions and private individuals.
TRIBE Culture Fest CEO Nana Boateng Gyimah has denied that he or his organisation received the disputed funds from private individuals, challenging the Minister to provide documentary evidence supporting the allegations.
Mr Adams has nevertheless insisted that anyone found to have participated in wrongdoing must be held accountable, including government officials if evidence establishes their involvement.
The unfolding controversy presents a broader test of transparency and accountability in Ghana’s sports administration. While the Minister maintains that there is no basis for his dismissal because no public funds have been lost, questions remain over the handling of the alleged payments, the roles of the institutions involved and whether affected applicants will receive outstanding refunds.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation is expected to help establish the facts, identify any individuals responsible for wrongdoing and determine whether further action is warranted.
Source: Channel One TV’s Face to Face interview,