The controversy reportedly involves about 90 applicants who allegedly paid between US$10,000 and US$15,000 each for visa-related assistance, with only a handful said to have secured visas.
According to reports, the minister said he became aware of the arrangements after receiving correspondence requesting that his ministry forward the names of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy.
Adams further indicated that the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the US Embassy and TRIBE Culture Fest were involved in the arrangements, maintaining that his ministry had no prior knowledge of the process.
“The Ministry didn’t know,” Adams reportedly stated in his defence, rejecting suggestions that he should be held responsible for the controversy.
The development has sparked calls from the parliamentary Minority for the minister to be removed and investigated over allegations surrounding the visa application process, including claims that individuals who were not ministry employees were presented as staff to facilitate applications.
Meanwhile, NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has reportedly been suspended pending investigations into the matter.
The Criminal Investigations Department is also investigating the allegations as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the visa arrangements and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
Adams has maintained that government funds have not been lost and insists that there is no justification for his dismissal.
The outcome of the investigations is expected to provide further clarity on the roles played by the various institutions and individuals involved in the arrangements ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
