Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has accused the Sports Minister of attempting to cover up for individuals who allegedly misrepresented themselves as staff of the National Sports Authority (NSA) to secure visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the allegations surrounding the facilitation of visas for Ghanaians travelling to the tournament, Assafuah said there were individuals who presented themselves as NSA staff despite not being employees of the Authority.

“The Minister is trying to cover up for those who posed as NSA staff to secure U.S. visas for the World Cup,” he said.

According to him, he questioned the minister about the number of people sponsored to the United States for the World Cup and was told that 431 people had been sponsored.

Assafuah, however, questioned whether all 431 people returned to Ghana after the tournament, claiming that some individuals had remained abroad.

He cited the case of a person he identified as Mr. Okyere, whom he alleged was sponsored as a driver but did not return to Ghana.

“The Minister said 431 people came back to Ghana. Meanwhile, I know that he sponsored his driver, Mr. Okyere , who did not come back. The guy is currently in Canada,” Assafuah alleged.

He further claimed that a secretary at the Chief Director’s office was also among the 431 people sponsored but had not returned to Ghana.

Black Princesses ready for Ecuador test as Charles Sampson targets winning start

Assafuah also questioned the Minister’s response when asked about Okyere, saying the minister denied having a driver and suggested that the individual could have been someone who previously worked with the military.

The ranking member further referenced a report by Canada’s Globe and Mail alleging that 45 Ghanaians sought asylum in Canada following the World Cup.

He argued that the report raised questions about whether some individuals who travelled for the tournament failed to return to Ghana after obtaining visas.

Assafuah also accused the Minister of being unaware of reports concerning Ghanaians who travelled from Ghana to Boston and Philadelphia in connection with the World Cup.

The allegations come amid scrutiny of claims surrounding visa facilitation and individuals allegedly using the NSA’s name in the process.

“The minister is trying to cover up for those who posed as NSA staff to secure U.S. visas for the World Cup.”

Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, challenges the Sports Minister over the NSA visa scandal allegations.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/hCb6xp9sSx

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 17, 2026