The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has declined an invitation from President John Dramani Mahama to appear before a committee investigating the alleged fraud surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa acquisition process.

Assafuah said he had petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and President Mahama to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate what he described as the World Cup visa and fundraising scandal.

According to him, the matter involves issues of significant public interest, potential criminal liability and abuse of public office, requiring an independent and transparent investigation.

He disclosed that the President, through his presidential advisors, subsequently invited him to assist investigations before a committee chaired by Professor Dodu.

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However, he said he had respectfully declined the invitation on principle.

Explaining his decision, Assafuah argued that the President could not be seen investigating his own ministers, insisting that the committee lacks the independence required to conduct a credible probe.

He also questioned the secrecy surrounding the committee, stating that its terms of reference had not been made public, its membership remained unknown and its proceedings were being held behind closed doors.

"What Ghana needs is not a secret in-house cover-up committee. What Ghana needs is a public, transparent,independent commission of inquiry with powers to subpoena, publish evidence and hold persons accountable openly," he stated.

Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, has declined an invitation from President John Dramani Mahama to appear before a committee investigating alleged fraud in the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa acquisition process.

He cited concerns over what he described as a lack of transparency and secrecy surrounding the committee’s work.

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— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) November 5, 2026