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Friday, 30 October 2026
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Friday, 30 October 2026
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Ghanaian press · Event

2026 FIFA World Cup

2026-04-242026-10-30

News reports

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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. October 2026
  2. Joy Online

    … ed President John Mahama’s decision to remove Yaw Ampofo Ankrah as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), but says his removal must be followed by a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup …

    Minority urges full probe into World Cup visa allegations after Ampofo Ankrah’s removal
  3. Joy Online

    … Ampofo Ankrah was asked to step aside as NSA Director-General by President John Dramani Mahama on October 1, 2026, amid an ongoing investigation into visa-related allegations linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …

    NSA cannot manage all Ghana’s sports facilities alone – Ampofo Ankrah
  4. Joy Online

    … Ampofo Ankrah was asked to step aside on October 1, 2026, pending investigations into allegations surrounding a visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …

    Ampofo Ankrah opens up on ‘constant and unrelenting’ pressure at NSA
  5. The Ghanaian Times

    … ssionalism and dedication during his time with the Black Stars. “We are grateful for his efforts in helping to build a stronger future for the national team and supporting the development of Ghanaian talent since taking charge ahead of the preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup …

    GFA, Queiroz mutually terminate contract
  6. Joy Online

    … Ampofo Ankrah was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, October 1 following controversy over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …

    ‘I am disappointed’ – Yaw Ampofo Ankrah breaks silence after NSA suspension
  7. Joy Online

    Lawyer for former National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has rejected allegations linking his client to a scheme that allegedly collected money from Ghanaians seeking visa and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …

    Ampofo Ankrah did not collect World Cup visa money – Lawyer
  8. Joy Online

    The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) is investigating suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over an alleged visa facilitation scheme involving individuals seeking to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …

    BNI investigates Ampofo Ankrah over alleged $623,000 World Cup visa scheme
  9. Joy Online

    Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has been suspended from his position as Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), following controversy over an alleged visa facilitation arrangement linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …

    Yaw Ampofo Ankrah suspended as NSA Director-General amid World Cup visa controversy
  10. Joy Online

    … ortunity to lead such a proud football nation,” he said in his farewell message. “I leave with respect, gratitude and pride.” He served as the head coach of the national for about four months spread across two separate stints in 2026, leading Ghana also at the 2026 FIFA World Cup …

    I leave with respect, gratitude and pride – Carlos Queiroz
  11. The Chronicle

    … He also thanked his technical team and other individuals who supported the Black Stars, particularly during preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. …

    Queiroz, GFA part ways
Politics

NPP demands Sports Minister's resignation over visa irregularities

The News

The NPP has called for the Sports Minister's resignation over allegations of irregularities in visa arrangements for Ghanaian personnel linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including alleged payments of up to US$14,000 and unverified personnel identities. The demand follows the resignation of the National Sports Authority CEO.

14 hours ago · Joy Online →

Yesterday

  1. NPP demands Sports Minister's resignation over visa irregularities

    The NPP has called for the Sports Minister's resignation over allegations of irregularities in visa arrangements for Ghanaian personnel linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including alleged payments of up to US$14,000 and unverified personnel identities. The demand follows the resignation of the National Sports Authority CEO.

    14 hours ago · Joy Online →

Tuesday 27 October

  1. GTA senior staff seek clarity on World Cup slots and allowances

    The Senior Staff Association of the Ghana Tourism Authority has petitioned management demanding clarification on the Authority's administration of 2026 FIFA World Cup logistics, visa slots, staff appointments, allowances and provident fund arrears, and requests a meeting within five working days.

    27 October 2026 · Daily Guide →

Monday 26 October

  1. Lamine Yamal wins third straight Kopa Trophy award

    Barcelona's Lamine Yamal became the first player to win the Kopa Trophy three consecutive times, claiming the award for young players under 21 at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony after helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup and playing a key role in Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.

    26 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 25 October

  1. Businessman charged with World Cup visa fraud in Ghana

    A businessman appeared in an Adenta Circuit Court charged with defrauding a colleague of US$3,000 and GH¢20,600 by falsely claiming he could secure United States and Canadian visas to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail with conditions; the court adjourned the case to February 17, 2027.

    25 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 21 October

  1. Ghana's attacking talents underperform at international level despite club success

    Ghana's top attacking players like Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku excel at club level but struggle to replicate that form for the Black Stars. The article examines whether tactical differences, team structure and attacking combinations limit these players from delivering their potential on the international stage.

    21 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Why Ghana's EPL attackers struggle at international level

    Ghana's top attacking talents—including Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku—excel at club level but face challenges replicating that form for the Black Stars. The article examines whether Ghana's tactical approach, team structure and attacking combinations allow these players to perform at their potential internationally, noting that tactical differences and player positioning between club and international football may be key factors.

    21 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 20 October

  1. Police receives $26,000 payment on behalf of suspended NSA director

    A total of $26,000 has been paid to the police on behalf of suspended National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, part of $56,000 he is alleged to have received as commission from proceeds linked to the World Cup visa scandal. The payment was made last week by a friend of Mr Ankrah with his approval amid ongoing investigations into visa racketeering involving NSA officials.

    20 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 16 October

  1. Ghana fullback Senaya returns to training after hamstring injury

    Black Stars defender Marvin Senaya has resumed light training on grass as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained during Ghana's 2026 World Cup match against Colombia in July. He has missed AJ Auxerre's opening seven league matches, and while his return to on-pitch running shows progression, a definite return to competitive action has not been confirmed.

    16 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 15 October

  1. MP petitions CHRAJ over 2026 World Cup visa allocation irregularities

    Vincent Assafuah, MP for Old Tafo, has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice to investigate suspected corruption and administrative irregularities in visa opportunities linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup involving the National Sports Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and private entities. The petition raises concerns about discrepancies in beneficiary lists, verification of personnel, selection criteria, and handling of payments.

    15 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. NPP demands inquiry into alleged $600,000 World Cup visa fraud

    The New Patriotic Party has called for a public parliamentary inquiry into allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The party wants Parliament to summon Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the Ghana Tourism Authority CEO to explain their roles and establish accountability.

    15 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. Wenger says Africa close to winning World Cup

    Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, believes Africa has made significant progress toward winning the World Cup, citing improved tactical discipline and organisation as reasons nine African teams advanced from their groups at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    14 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  2. Minister warns Ghanaians over World Cup visa payment scams

    Sports Minister Kofi Adams says some Ghanaians ignored repeated warnings and paid intermediaries who falsely claimed to secure US and Canadian visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the Ministry cautioning against trusting individuals who promised influence through personal government connections.

    14 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 12 October

  1. Pius Hadzide contests "scandal" label on 2018 Australia visa affair

    Former Deputy Sports Minister Pius Enam Hadzide has challenged the description of the 2018 Australia visa affair as a scandal, arguing that no one has publicly identified him as receiving funds for Commonwealth Games travel. He says he was suspended over the controversy but was later exonerated and reinstated, and contends that time should now bring clarity rather than the incident remaining on the Sports Ministry's list of scandals.

    12 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Sports Ministry denies World Cup visa scandal involvement

    Ghana's Ministry of Sports and Recreation has distanced itself from alleged irregularities in visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying a Criminal Investigations Department probe will clarify the matter and hold accountable those involved. The Ministry presented documents showing engagement between the National Sports Authority and private entity TRIBE Culture Fest predated ministerial involvement.

    12 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. US Embassy introduced TRIBE Culture Fest to NSA and GTA

    Sports Minister Kofi Adams says the US Embassy introduced TRIBE Culture Fest to the National Sports Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup activities. The disclosure addresses a visa controversy involving the private events organisation's collaboration with public institutions.

    12 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. Sports minister says NSA did not inform him of embassy visa arrangement

    Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams says the National Sports Authority did not inform him about any visa arrangements it had reached with the United States Embassy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid controversy over visa arrangements involving the NSA, Ghana Tourism Authority, and private entity TRIBE Culture Fest.

    12 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 10 October

  1. NSA Director General's lawyer denies World Cup visa fraud allegations

    The lawyer for former NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who was asked to step aside by President Mahama amid an investigation into a 2026 FIFA World Cup visa scandal, maintains his client's innocence and states he has not collected money for visas.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. World Cup visa scandal: public officials allegedly facilitated fraud

    Senyo Hosi has accused individuals of exploiting public office to facilitate alleged fraud in visa applications for Ghana's 2026 World Cup participation, stating that the focus should be on allegations that officials collected money from unsuspecting applicants rather than on which officials should resign. Reports indicate about US$623,000 was received from prospective travellers seeking visa and travel assistance.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Ghana's World Cup visa controversy raises broader accountability concerns

    Senyo Hosi has argued that the visa arrangements controversy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup should be treated as a constitutional compliance and accountability matter, going beyond calls for the Sports Minister's resignation. Hosi warned the issue has implications for Ghana's reputation and the principles of probity and rule of law in public administration.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. NSA director's lawyer denies visa-facilitation money receipt

    The lawyer for suspended NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah insisted his client has not received money from individuals connected to an alleged 2026 FIFA World Cup visa facilitation arrangement. The Criminal Investigations Department is investigating the matter, and Ankrah's lawyer urged the public to allow the process to establish facts.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Senyo Hosi calls for constitutional accountability in World Cup visa row

    Senyo Hosi, convener of OneGhana Movement, says Ghana's controversy over visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup should be treated as a test of constitutional accountability rather than a debate over the Sports Minister's resignation. He stressed that public officials must uphold principles of probity, accountability and compliance with the law, and that the matter had implications for the country's reputation and public trust.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  6. Mahama committed to investigating World Cup visa scandal allegations

    The CEO of the Ghana Social Investment Fund defended the government's response to allegations of corruption in visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying President Mahama is committed to fighting corruption. The Minority in Parliament alleged that officials charged between US$7,000 and US$14,000 for visa processing, and questioned name verification from the Ghana Tourism Authority and National Sports Authority to US and Canadian embassies.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  7. Nurudeen denies Minority's World Cup visa scandal claims

    Ghana Social Investment Fund CEO Abass Nurudeen accused Parliament's Minority of exploiting visa controversy around Ghana's 2026 World Cup preparations for political gain, challenging them to produce evidence of wrongdoing against the Sports Minister. The Minority had claimed individuals paid between US$7,000 and US$14,000 for visa processing and alleged inflated personnel lists submitted to US and Canadian embassies by the Ghana Tourism Authority and National Sports Authority.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  8. US Embassy recognises NSA, GFA, GTA as separate visa entities

    The Sports Minister's aide said the US Embassy recognises the National Sports Authority, Ghana Football Association, and Ghana Tourism Authority as separate entities eligible to submit visa applications. This follows allegations by an Old Tafo MP that more than 30 people were misrepresented to the US Embassy as GTA board members in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  9. Over 30 misrepresented as GTA board members in World Cup visa scandal

    MP Vincent Assafuah alleged that more than 30 people were misrepresented as Ghana Tourism Authority board members or affiliates in a document sent to the US Embassy in connection with 2026 FIFA World Cup engagements, despite the authority having about 11 board members. He called for the suspension of the GTA chief executive to allow investigations into the alleged misrepresentation.

    10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 9 October

  1. GTA denies collecting visa payments for 2026 World Cup tourism plan

    The Ghana Tourism Authority has denied allegations it collected money from applicants for visas under its 2026 FIFA World Cup tourism promotion programme. The Authority said it identified cultural groups, musicians, and industry representatives for the initiative, engaged foreign embassies only for guidance on visa procedures, and stressed it had no authority to issue visas or guarantee approvals.

    9 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  2. GTA denies collecting money for World Cup visa opportunities

    The Ghana Tourism Authority has denied collecting money from applicants in exchange for visas or visa opportunities linked to its 2026 FIFA World Cup tourism promotion initiative. The Authority said its role was limited to identifying participants, facilitating introductions, and providing guidance on visa application procedures, with decisions on approvals resting exclusively with the United States Embassy and Canadian High Commission.

    9 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. GTA CEO denies personal involvement in World Cup visa scandal

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority has denied personal involvement in the sale of visas or collection of money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities linked to Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup tourism promotion activities. She said the Authority engaged the U.S. Embassy and Canadian High Commission for guidance on visa requirements but had no power to guarantee approvals.

    9 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 8 October

  1. Ghana fall to 70th in FIFA ranking after AFCON qualifier defeats

    Ghana dropped five places to 70th in the latest FIFA Men's World Ranking following losses to Côte d'Ivoire (2-0) and The Gambia (4-2) in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, losing 25.73 points in the process.

    8 October 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Minority calls for removal of Sports Minister, GTA CEO

    Parliament's Minority Caucus has demanded the immediate dismissal of the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, and the Ghana Tourism Authority CEO, citing questions about their institutions' involvement in an alleged World Cup visa facilitation scheme. The caucus alleges that public institutions may have been used to process visa applications linked to 2026 FIFA World Cup activities and has called for a comprehensive investigation.

    8 October 2026 · The Chronicle →

2026 FIFA World Cup — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute