Scandal Strikes as Visa Controversy Mars World Cup Arrangements
It was supposed to be a dream come true for nearly 90 Ghanaians, each of whom paid between $10,000 and $15,000 in hopes of attending the World Cup extravaganza in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But for most, the dream ended in disappointment, only five out of the group ultimately received visas, leaving dozens frustrated and sparking a nationwide controversy that has shaken Ghana’s sporting and political circles. The fallout was immediate. National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was suspended, and the Presidency announced plans to launch a formal probe into the arrangements that led to the debacle. Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament called for not just suspensions but also the prosecution of officials they allege were involved in facilitating the failed arrangements. Amidst the uproar, Minister Adams found himself at the center of swirling accusations. In a candid interview with Citi News, he firmly rejected calls for his removal and insisted that his ministry had no foreknowledge of the controversial arrangements. “Well, I don’t see the justification. Both the American Embassy and TRIBE Culture Fest, the NSA and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) were doing their thing behind the Ministry. The Ministry didn’t know,” Adams asserted. According to Adams, the sequence of events that brought the issue to his attention began with a letter dated May 19. The correspondence requested that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation forward the names of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy. “The first time I ever sat and had a conversation in relation to that matter was when the May 19 letter requested the forwarding of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy. That’s when I got to know the details of what was happening,” he explained. Adams recounted that the letter was passed along to the ministry’s Chief Director, who sits on the technical committee overseeing such arrangements. The committee, he explained, had agreed that lists of people expected to perform specific duties at the World Cup should be submitted to the appropriate authorities to initiate the necessary processes. However, he maintained that the entire process was handled independently by the NSA, GTA, US Embassy, and TRIBE Culture Fest, without the Ministry’s involvement or notification. “If the organisations involved had formally presented their plans, copied the ministry in their correspondence, or otherwise informed us, we would have known,” Adams insisted. He also denied any knowledge of the alleged financial transactions, stating, “Government money has not been lost.” The controversy reached new heights following allegations by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Sports Committee. At a press conference, Assafuah claimed that some officials had helped outsiders, people who were not ministry employees, apply for visas, even preparing a cover letter to present them as staff. As calls for accountability grew louder, the Minority demanded the dismissal and prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, citing alleged involvement in the arrangements. Minister Adams, however, maintained that his role had been limited to forwarding the May 19 letter through the proper channels, with no prior knowledge of the financial aspects or the deeper details of the arrangements. As the nation awaits the results of the official probe, questions linger over how so many could be left out in the cold, and who will ultimately be held responsible for the World Cup visa fiasco. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ayitey Powers Remanded Over Alleged Threat Against NSA Boss
Former Ghanaian boxing star Michael Ayitey Okai, widely known as Ayitey Powers, has been ordered into police custody for one week as investigations continue into an alleged death threat against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. The Dansoman Circuit Court issued the remand order on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after Ayitey Powers was brought before the court following his arrest by the Accra Regional Police Command a day earlier. His arrest came in the wake of a viral social media video purportedly showing him threatening the life of Mr. Ampofo Ankrah. Ayitey Powers is scheduled to make his next court appearance on September 2, 2026. The case has attracted the attention of the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC), which had earlier called for his arrest and prosecution over the alleged remarks. Police investigations are ongoing as the court considers the appropriate course of action in the high-profile case. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Norway call for Infantino to resign as Mexico and Argentina back president
Norway have called on Fifa president Gianni Infantino to resign following his aborted attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors, but Mexico and Argentina have voiced their support for the 56-year-old. Norway have gone a step further than the football associations of England, Wales, Croatia and Albania, all of whom have withdrawn support for Infantino without explicitly calling for him to resign. “He [Infantino] does not have the institutional trust required to govern Fifa stably in the times we are in,” Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) president Lise Klaveness said on Friday. “There is no going back for Gianni Infantino. The international football cooperation is very much in trouble, and we must have a reason to get together now, and we want to ask the Fifa president to resign now. “We will see which other countries eventually join in, if that becomes the strategy from the Uefa board. We are not going to ask for an extraordinary [Uefa board] meeting, we will ask him to resign in our dialogue with Fifa.” Klaveness, who is a qualified lawyer, went through a list of concerns that the Norwegian FA has expressed to Fifa during her four-year tenure. Among them were questions around the awarding of tournaments, the inaugural Fifa peace prize that was awarded to US President Donald Trump in December, and the overturning of a ban for American forward Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup following a phone call from Trump. Fifa has been approached for comment. Meanwhile, earlier on Friday the Mexican Football Federation broke ranks with its regional governing body Concacaf to come out in support of Infantino. Concacaf, which runs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, called for a “comprehensive reckoning” of Infantino’s presidency after he aborted plans to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors. However, 2026 World Cup co-hosts Mexico have backed Infantino’s leadership amid widespread calls for him to resign. “The FMF [Mexican FA] supports president Infantino’s leadership in continuing to promote the development of football through institutional strengthening,” a statement read. It echoed a statement from Conmebol – South America’s governing body – in saying it would reject any attempt to remove Infantino without a vote involving all 211 Fifa members. However, Conmebol did “express its concern about the repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or the institutional mechanisms provided for dealing with this type of situation”. Meanwhile, the football association of 2026 World Cup runners-up Argentina praised Infantino for recognising and apologising for his “errors”. It described his decade-long tenure as Fifa president as “centred on the development of soccer worldwide and institutional strength based on a clear, stable, and transparent governance model”. Infantino is unanimously backed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), but faces opposition from European football’s governing Uefa and Concacaf. European teams could still boycott the World Cup as Uefa said its conditions had not been met, despite Infantino’s plan being aborted. Uefa has already said it has lost confidence in Infantino, calling the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal a “shabby, back room, opaque deal”. The English FA has sent a letter withdrawing its support for Infantino, while Wales, Albania and Croatia are among other individual associations to have turned their back on the 56-year-old. Concacaf described Infantino’s proposal as “a symptom of leadership that has stopped putting football first”, and that “this recent unilateral and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour”. However, unlike Uefa, it did not go as far as to say it had lost confidence in the Fifa president. Before Infantino withdrew his proposal, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it stood “in solidarity” with Uefa and Concacaf in opposition to the plans. How the election of a Fifa president works Ordinarily, Infantino would not be able to stand for re-election in March. The maximum tenure under Fifa statutes is three four-year terms, and Infantino is hoping to be voted in for a fourth time. However, after replacing Sepp Blatter in 2016, his first term lasted only three years. He successfully argued this one should not count, which allows him to stand again. Infantino was re-elected in 2019 and 2023 unopposed, and before the FFE controversy it looked certain the same would apply in 2027. Now Uefa and Infantino’s other opponents must try to find a candidate to stand against him. The deadline for names to be put forward, together with at least five letters of support from member associations, is 18 November. The election, by secret ballot, will then take place at the 77th Fifa Congress in Rabat, Morocco on 18 March. If two candidates stand for election, a simple majority of the 211 member associations is required to win. If there are three or more candidates, 75% of votes is required to win outright. If that threshold is not met, the candidate with the fewest votes is removed and another vote is held. Once the field is reduced to two candidates, it becomes a simple majority. How likely is it that Infantino would win an election? Unless Uefa can find a way to unseat Infantino, he has seven months to cement his supporter base. One way Infantino has always done this is by jetting off around the world and meeting people. When he was elected in 2016, Infantino declared that Uefa gave him a budget of €500,000 (£430,000), external “to fund flights – mainly flights – around the world” to lobby member associations for votes. Following Wednesday’s meeting of the Fifa management board in Rabat, Infantino jetted off to South America for the inauguration of new Colombian president Abelardo de la Espriella. Another key tool will be the funding of the 211 member associations, which has enabled Infantino to build loyalty around the world. This is especially true among developing nations who cannot afford to pay for football development. Crucially, the latest iteration of Infantino’s investment programme, Fifa Forward 3.0, ends in December.
Twenty-Five Ghanaians Seek Asylum in Canada After 2026 FIFA World Cup
Twenty-five Ghanaians who traveled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have filed asylum claims, according to figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The claims are part of a total of 175 asylum applications submitted by foreign nationals who entered Canada after receiving temporary residence approval linked to the tournament, which was jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. IRCC reported that it approved temporary residence applications for 26,111 individuals indicating they were traveling to Canada in connection with the World Cup. As of July 20, 2026, 175 of those visitors had submitted asylum claims. The data, according to Canadian authorities, only covers applicants who specifically identified “FIFA World Cup 26” in their applications. Ghana and China both recorded the highest number of asylum claims at 25 each. Egypt and Colombia followed with 15 claims each, while Senegal, Bangladesh, and Nigeria each had 10. Ecuador, Burundi, Nepal, and Pakistan each registered five claims. Canadian authorities did not provide details on the identities or backgrounds of the claimants, leaving it unclear whether they were football supporters, players, officials, or other visitors associated with the tournament. Reports indicate that asylum claims after major international sporting events are not unusual. Following the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, approximately 200 Ghanaians reportedly sought asylum, citing religious persecution, a claim the Ghanaian government later rejected. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GRA Interdicts Four Officers Over Consignment Investigation, Launches Internal Disciplinary Process
The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Sarpong, has announced the interdiction of four officers following an investigation into a recent consignment case. Addressing the media on Tuesday, July 7, Mr. Sarpong stated that the officers have been temporarily relieved of their duties and are currently undergoing the Authority’s internal disciplinary process. “We have interdicted four officers who worked on the consignment, and we are going through our internal disciplinary processes to ensure that all officers found culpable are dealt with in accordance with our internal policies and the law,” he explained. In his briefing, Mr. Sarpong revealed that, under the directive of the Ministry of Finance, the consignment in question was allocated to the National School Feeding Programme. He also reassured the trading public and Ghanaians at large that the GRA, through its Customs Division, remains vigilant and has intensified compliance measures, particularly at the country’s borders. These efforts, he noted, aim to boost effective revenue mobilisation and prevent illicit trade. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Judicial Service Clarifies Chief Justice’s Canada Visit Amid Public Debate Over Black Stars Encounter
The Judicial Service has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s recent visit to Canada, following widespread public commentary sparked by photographs of him at the Black Stars’ camp during the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Public interest surged after images circulated online showing the Chief Justice interacting with Ghana’s national football team. Some questioned whether the trip was an official state assignment or involved public resources. In response, the Judicial Service, in a statement released on Friday, June 19, explained that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was in Canada on an official vacation, traveling strictly in a private capacity and at his own expense. The statement emphasized that the trip was not connected to any state business or public spending. According to the Judicial Service, the Chief Justice took the opportunity, while on holiday, to visit and encourage the Black Stars, describing his actions as a personal and patriotic gesture in support of the national team on the world stage. Addressing the ensuing public debate, the Judicial Service underscored that judicial independence does not mean that judges must isolate themselves from public or national life. Judges, as citizens, are entitled to participate in lawful social and national activities, so long as these do not compromise their constitutional responsibilities. The statement highlighted that the Chief Justice and the broader Judiciary remain guided by the principles of independence, impartiality, and fidelity to the law. The Service also cautioned against interpreting interactions among holders of constitutional office, whether formal or informal, as signs of bias or political alignment. Such engagements are common in democratic societies and do not, in themselves, undermine institutional neutrality. Reaffirming Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s dedication to his office, the Judicial Service insisted that he remains committed to administering fair and impartial justice, regardless of political or social considerations. The Service further noted that the Black Stars are a unifying symbol for all Ghanaians, and that supporting the team should not be mistaken as compromising the neutrality of any constitutional office holder. Concluding, the Judicial Service urged the public to view the Chief Justice’s visit in its proper context and to disregard unfounded interpretations. The Service reiterated its commitment to upholding public trust in the Judiciary through integrity, independence, and adherence to the rule of law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Thomas Partey Denied Entry to Canada, Misses World Cup Opener
The flight from Boston to Toronto was supposed to carry Ghana’s hopes. Instead, Thomas Partey stayed grounded, not by injury, not by form, but by a single stamp that never came. Just days before the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a quiet but crushing blow landed on Ghana’s camp. The former Arsenal midfielder, now plying his trade with Villarreal in Spain, was denied entry into Canada. His visa application had been refused by Canadian authorities, and the news arrived like a cold wind on the eve of battle. According to BBC Sport, FIFA confirmed the development on Friday. Partey had been training with his teammates in Boston, the team’s designated base before crossing the border. But Canadian immigration officials had other plans. No visa. No entry. No Panama clash in Toronto. In a brief statement, FIFA distanced itself from the decision. “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the governing body said. “The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.” For four-time African champions Ghana, the timing could not be worse. Partey, 32, remains one of the most influential players in Otto Addo’s squad. His experience, his composure in midfield, his ability to break lines, all of it will be missing when the Black Stars face Panama. The visa refusal, however, does not exist in a vacuum. Partey is scheduled to stand trial next year, having pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women between 2020 and 2022. Canadian authorities have not publicly explained their decision, but the shadow of those legal proceedings now falls across the World Cup stage. Partey joins an unhappy club of football figures caught in immigration tangles at this expanded 48-team tournament, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Somali referee Omar Artan, selected by FIFA to officiate, was previously denied entry into the United States,vanother reminder that even FIFA’s stamp carries no weight at a sovereign border. For coach Otto Addo, the tactical board must be redrawn. For Ghanaian fans, the hope that Partey would orchestrate their midfield has turned to hollow resignation. And as the Black Stars prepare to step onto the pitch in Toronto, one of their brightest lights will be watching from somewhere else, locked out, literally, from the game he was born to play. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington Awaits World Cup Ticket Allocation for Diaspora Supporters
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., has announced that it is yet to receive tickets allocated for Ghanaian supporters in the United States ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches. The update comes amid growing anticipation among Ghanaians living in the US who are eager to cheer on the Black Stars at the tournament. Interest in ticket availability has surged following recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama during his official visit to the US. The President stated that, rather than flying supporters from Ghana to North America, the government would secure World Cup tickets from FIFA for distribution to Ghanaians already residing in the US, Mexico, and Canada. In a public notice issued to the Ghanaian diaspora community on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the embassy clarified that it was still awaiting both the tickets and information on the allocation process. “The Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. wishes to inform the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States that Mission is yet to receive tickets for the World Cup games,” the statement said. The embassy assured the diaspora community that details regarding ticket allocation and distribution procedures would be promptly communicated as soon as the tickets arrive. “As soon as mission receives the allocated tickets and modalities on how to distribute them, it will be communicated to the diaspora community accordingly,” the notice added. The embassy’s announcement aims to keep supporters informed and manage expectations as the country prepares to rally behind the Black Stars on the world stage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Somali Referee Omar Artan Receives Hero’s Welcome After US Entry Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan was greeted with a rousing welcome as he returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, following a high-profile incident in which he was denied entry into the United States. Crowds of supporters, government officials, and football authorities gathered at Aden Adde International Airport to celebrate the return of the 34-year-old, who had recently been named Africa’s Referee of the Year for 2025. Artan’s homecoming came just two days after he was stopped at Miami International Airport, despite possessing both a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa. US immigration authorities have yet to publicly explain the reasons for his repatriation, a decision that dashed hopes of seeing Artan become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals. Somalia remains among the countries affected by travel restrictions first introduced during former US President Donald Trump’s administration. This backdrop added to the sense of injustice and national pride that marked Artan’s return. The reception at the airport was led by senior government officials, representatives of the Somali Football Federation, fellow referees, and members of the public, all eager to show their support. Visibly moved by the show of solidarity, Artan addressed the crowd, expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who had stood by him. “I’d like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs, and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support,” he said, as translated by the BBC. “The encouragement I received here, I know I’ll get more support outside [the airport].” Artan also revealed that FIFA had been in regular contact with him throughout the ordeal, offering support until he returned safely to Mogadishu. “Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and was in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu,” he shared. Despite the disappointment, Artan’s resolve remains unshaken. He is set to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium, where he will watch a domestic league match between Heegan and Dekadaha, and has vowed to continue pursuing his international refereeing ambitions. Looking ahead, he boldly declared his intention to officiate at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, insisting that his journey at the highest level of football is far from over. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Queiroz Names 28-Man Black Stars Squad for World Cup Preparations, With Key Returns and Cardiff Camp
As anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup mounts, Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has unveiled a 28-man provisional squad set to anchor Ghana’s preparations in Cardiff. The group, which includes five goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders, and seven forwards, kicked off their intensive training camp at Wales’ National Football Development Centre, Dragon Park, on Monday, May 25, 2026. The camp marks the start of a crucial phase for Ghana’s World Cup ambitions, highlighted by a marquee friendly against the Welsh national team on June 2. This high-profile fixture is expected to test the Black Stars’ readiness ahead of their departure for the global tournament in North America. Queiroz’s selection has generated excitement, thanks to the return of key players and the inclusion of fresh talent. Among the squad is experienced left-back Baba Abdul Rahman, who reclaims his spot after a stellar season with PAOK FC in Greece, where he impressed with three goals and three assists in 35 matches. Another headline inclusion is winger Ernest Nuamah of Olympique Lyonnais, who rejoins the team after overcoming a serious ACL injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Youngster Paul Reverson, currently with Ajax in the Netherlands, is also making waves with his first-ever national call-up, a move seen as part of the technical team’s long-term vision. Other notable names on Queiroz’s roster include Abdul Mumin of Spain’s Rayo Vallecano, Alidu Seidu from French side Stade Rennais, and Augustine Boakye with AS Saint-Étienne. The Black Stars will remain in Cardiff for the duration of their training camp before heading to North America, where they have been drawn into Group L for the World Cup’s opening phase. Their group stage journey will see them play across three major cities: Panama in Toronto, Canada; England in Boston, United States; and Croatia in Philadelphia, United States. With the squad assembled and preparations underway, Ghanaian football fans are eagerly watching as the Black Stars gear up for another shot at global glory. Source: Apexnewsgh.com