Ghana’s participation in major international sporting competitions has often been followed by questions that extend beyond results on the field, with sports ministers facing scrutiny over expenditure, accountability and the management of national teams.

From the controversy surrounding Ghana’s 2010 World Cup accounts to the cash flown to Brazil in 2014 and the ongoing visa scandal ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Sports Ministry has repeatedly found itself at the centre of public debate.

Here are four instances in which sports ministers came under fire following major tournaments.

Akua Sena Dansua and Clement Kofi Humado: 2010 World Cup expenditure row

Ghana's historic run to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was followed by questions over how public funds allocated for the campaign were managed and accounted for.

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Akua Sena Dansua was the Youth and Sports Minister during the tournament, but it was her successor, Clement Kofi Humado, who faced scrutiny in Parliament in 2012 over the expenditure figures.

The controversy centred on different statements of accounts presented to Parliament. An earlier account indicated that US$8.06 million had been released, with approximately US$7.19 million spent on the contingent up to the group stage.

A subsequent account covered the broader US$19 million allocated for Ghana's World Cup participation, including preparation, supporters and other expenses.

Humado's ministry explained that the figures were not contradictory, arguing that the earlier statement was an interim account while the later one covered the campaign's overall expenditure.

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah – The US$3 million flown to Brazil

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil produced one of the most memorable off-field controversies in Ghanaian football history.

Then Youth and Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah came under intense scrutiny after the Black Stars threatened to boycott training over unpaid appearance fees.

The government eventually arranged for more than US$3 million in cash to be flown to Brazil to settle the players’ payments.

The episode became a major subject of the Justice Dzamefe Commission of Inquiry, which examined the management of Ghana’s disappointing campaign.

Afriyie Ankrah testified before the commission about the negotiations with the players and the arrangements that led to the money being transported to Brazil.

Days after Ghana’s group-stage elimination, President John Mahama reassigned Afriyie Ankrah from the Sports Ministry and moved his deputy, Joseph Yamin, to another government position.

Mustapha Ussif – African Games audit findings

Although the controversy did not follow a World Cup appearance, former Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has faced questions over the organisation of the 13th African Games, hosted by Ghana in 2024.

An Auditor-General’s report identified financial irregularities amounting to approximately GH¢580 million in the organisation of the competition.

The findings covered areas including sports equipment, accommodation, vehicle hire, rental costs and payments for goods that were reportedly undelivered or unverified.

In June 2026, the Auditor-General announced plans to surcharge four former officials, including Ussif, in connection with financial irregularities identified during the Games.

Kofi Adams – The 2026 World Cup visa controversy

The latest controversy involves current Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams and arrangements for Ghana’s participation in activities surrounding the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The Minority in Parliament has called for Adams and Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto to be removed pending investigations into alleged irregularities involving the National Sports Authority, the GTA and private entity TRIBE Culture Fest.

The allegations include questions about visa-facilitation arrangements, the amounts allegedly charged to applicants and the verification of lists submitted to foreign embassies.

The controversy intensified after President John Dramani Mahama asked NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah to step aside while the police investigate.

Adams, however, has denied wrongdoing through his ministry’s response. On October 11, the ministry said it had forwarded a request concerning prospective travellers through established administrative channels and maintained that this did not mean it had selected the applicants or guaranteed their visas.

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