The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has outlined its position on the controversy surrounding Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup visa arrangements, addressing the National Sports Authority’s submission of 90 names, the minister’s involvement and calls for accountability.

At a press conference on Friday, October 9, 2026, the Ministry provided a timeline of engagements with the United States Embassy and defended Sports Minister Kofi Adams against allegations of personal financial benefit.

Here are 10 key things from the Ministry’s response.

1 US Embassy engagement began on April 9

The Ministry said formal engagement with the US Embassy concerning the World Cup arrangements began on April 9, 2026.

Sports Ministry explains chronology of engagements amid World Cup visa scandal


2 NSA’s communication dates back to January

According to the Ministry, the NSA’s communication with the US Embassy began earlier, on January 28, 2026.

3 NSA submitted 90 names

The Ministry disclosed that the NSA submitted a list of 90 volunteers and event coordinators for visa facilitation connected to the tournament.

4 Four applicants were not on the 90-name list

The Ministry said four individuals mentioned in earlier correspondence were not included in the list of 90 applicants submitted by the NSA.

5 Adams requested details of six individuals

The minister reportedly sought verification details concerning six people presented as personnel of the NSA.

6 US Embassy had the final say on visas

The Ministry stressed that the embassy retained full authority to approve or reject applications, meaning the NSA and Sports Ministry could not guarantee visa approvals.

7 Adams raised concerns over the arrangements

The Ministry said the minister raised concerns about the matter and referred it for investigation.

8No evidence of personal financial benefit presented

The Ministry maintained that no evidence had been presented to establish that Adams personally received money or commissions from the visa arrangements.

9 Ghanaians warned against visa impersonators

Adams cautioned the public against paying individuals who promise special access to visas for the World Cup.

10 Investigations, refunds and sanctions demanded

The Ministry called for investigations into the allegations, refunds where appropriate and action against anyone found culpable.

The controversy has drawn scrutiny to the roles of the NSA, the Ghana Tourism Authority and other parties involved in the World Cup travel arrangements.

FKA/VPO

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