The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over alleged visa processing arrangements involving the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming that some individuals were charged between $7,000 and $14,000 to facilitate visa processing.
According to the Minority, the alleged payments raise serious questions about the management of visa-related opportunities linked to Ghana’s activities around the global football tournament and are demanding greater transparency from the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, October 7, the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Assafuah Ekow Vincent, alleged that two individuals identified as Chase and Diesel were tasked with the collection of the alleged funds and the processing of visas.
Assafuah said the alleged charges, if established, would require an explanation from the leadership of the Ghana Tourism Authority, particularly regarding the involvement of persons who are not staff of the Authority.
“Our investigation also raises questions concerning allegations that individuals who were not GTA staff were being offered, or processed, under these arrangements, at fees reportedly ranging from $7,000 to $14,000 per person”.
“If these allegations are accurate, the CEO of the GTA must explain to taxpayers why individuals outside the Ghana Tourism Authority were allegedly being processed or offered access to visa opportunities associated with allocations intended for the authority’s World Cup-related activities”.
“The public deserves clarity on who these individuals are, who engaged them, the authority under which they operated and what role they played in the processing of applicants.”
