The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has declined an invitation to appear before a presidential committee investigating alleged irregularities surrounding Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup visa facilitation and fundraising arrangements.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament questioned the independence and transparency of the committee, insisting that the matter requires an independent commission of inquiry.
Speaking to the media in Parliament on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Mr. Assafuah said he had rejected an invitation from the President’s advisors to appear before the committee chaired by Professor Dodu.
He argued that President John Dramani Mahama could not independently investigate allegations involving members of his own government.
“The President cannot be seen to be investigating his own ministers. You cannot be a judge in your own cause,” he stated.
Mr. Assafuah also raised concerns about the committee’s operations, particularly the failure to make its terms of reference and membership public, as well as its decision to conduct proceedings behind closed doors.
He called for a public and transparent inquiry with the authority to summon witnesses, examine evidence and ensure accountability.
“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, to publish evidence and to hold persons accountable openly,” he added.
The controversy centres on alleged irregularities in visa facilitation and fundraising arrangements connected to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, involving the National Sports Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Sports and private entities.
Mr. Assafuah has also petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) over alleged corruption, financial irregularities and abuse of public office in the arrangements.
He has further called on President Mahama to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations.
By: Bernard Mensah
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