The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has declined an invitation to appear before a presidential committee investigating the 2026 World Cup visa and fundraising controversy, questioning its independence and transparency.
The New Patriotic Party MP says he has petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and President John Dramani Mahama to establish an independent commission of inquiry into the allegations.
Speaking to the media in Parliament on Thursday, November 5, Assafuah said he rejected an invitation from the President’s advisors to appear before the committee chaired by Professor Dodu. He argued that the President cannot independently investigate 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 said.
Assafuah also questioned the committee’s lack of transparency, noting that its terms of reference and membership had not been made public and that its proceedings were being held behind closed doors.
He called instead for a public inquiry with the power to summon witnesses, examine evidence and hold those responsible accountable.
“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 linked to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, involving the National Sports Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Sports and private entities.
Vincent Ekow Assafuah has also petitioned the OSP and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) over alleged corruption, financial irregularities and abuse of public office in the arrangements.
