The National Sports Authority (NSA) has rejected allegations that it authorised the collection of money from members of the public in exchange for assistance with obtaining visas to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States and Canada.
The denial follows reports that individuals allegedly linked to the Authority collected about $623,000 from prospective travellers who were promised help securing visas for the tournament.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, the NSA said it had become aware of the claims but insisted that it had neither established nor approved any office at the stadium for collecting money or arranging visas.
The Authority said no visa-related activities of the nature described in the allegations had been sanctioned by its management.
The controversy has also brought attention to the NSA’s working relationship with TRIBE FEST, a FIFA-licensed partner involved in activities surrounding the World Cup.
According to the NSA, TRIBE FEST’s role is limited to supporting fan-experience activities, World Cup viewing events and mobilisation efforts carried out in collaboration with the NSA, the Ghana Tourism Authority and other partners.
The Authority stressed that this partnership did not give TRIBE FEST, NSA employees or any other individual permission to collect funds from the public for visa applications.
The allegations reportedly stem from a petition dated September 8, 2026, which was said to have been submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
The petition is understood to concern alleged financial transactions involving people seeking assistance to travel to the 2026 World Cup.
The NSA confirmed that it was aware of reports about the petition but said it had not received official notification from the police regarding its contents or the individuals allegedly named.
The Authority therefore declined to comment on specific details of the petition until the appropriate investigative authorities provide further information.
The matter has also raised questions about whether individuals associated with the Authority may have acted outside their official mandate.
The NSA maintained that any alleged misconduct by an individual should not automatically be attributed to the institution unless an investigation establishes that such actions were authorised by the Authority.
Despite its denial of institutional involvement, the NSA said it considers the allegations serious and is prepared to cooperate with the police should a formal investigation be opened.
It said the Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and other relevant officials would make themselves available to assist investigators and provide information required for the inquiry.
The Authority further stated that anyone found to have engaged in wrongdoing should face the appropriate legal consequences if credible evidence is established.
Meanwhile, the NSA has appealed to the public and the media to exercise caution in reporting the matter, warning against treating allegations as proven facts before investigations are completed.
The development comes as interest in travelling to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup grows, with Ghanaian fans and other prospective supporters making plans to attend matches and related events.
For now, the NSA says the allegations remain subject to investigation and has reiterated that it did not authorise any scheme involving the collection of money for World Cup visas.
