OSP opens investigation into alleged NSA World Cup visa and contracts irregularities

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has opened investigations into suspected corruption involving some officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and alleged financial irregularities linked to Ghana's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to an OSP statement and Joy Sports on Tuesday 10 November 2026.

The OSP said it had received petitions alleging corruption and corruption-related offences in the award of NSA contracts to service providers. The inquiry also covers alleged abuse of public office, the selection of sponsorship beneficiaries, visa facilitation arrangements and the collection and management of money from prospective travellers, the reports said.

The investigation will seek to establish how beneficiaries were selected, who authorised the allocation of travel opportunities and whether public officials or private individuals improperly benefited, according to the reports.

The matter follows Joy Sports reporting in September that money had been collected from prospective travellers seeking visas for the tournament. President John Dramani Mahama suspended NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah on 1 October pending a police CID investigation. Mr Ankrah has denied wrongdoing.

The OSP cautioned that the start of an investigation does not establish wrongdoing and that all individuals and institutions concerned are presumed innocent. No one has been charged in connection with the OSP inquiry.