World Cup Visa Scandal: Minority Questions $7,000-$14,000 Charges For Non-GTA Staff, Demands Clarity On 'Chase' and 'Diesel

The Minority in Parliament has raised fresh questions over allegations that individuals who are not staff of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) were being offered access to World Cup visa slots at exorbitant fees.

Addressing the press at Parliament House, the Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee, Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, said investigations by the Minority point to fees ranging between $7,000 and $14,000 per person.

"Our investigation also raises questions concerning allegations that individuals who were not GTA staff were being offered or processed under these arrangements at fees reportedly ranging from seven thousand USD to fourteen thousand USD per person," he said.

He demanded accountability on why non-GTA staff were allegedly being processed under allocations meant for the Authority's official World Cup activities.

"[GTA] must explain to taxpayers why individuals outside the Ghana Tourism Authority were allegedly being processed or offered access to visa opportunities associated with allocations intended for the Authority's World Cup related activities," Hon. Assafuah stated.

The Old Tafo MP also questioned what was delivered by Tribe Culture Fest after the preparatory works and what report was produced.

"What report was produced following the preparatory work and what amount, if any, remains outstanding... all the reports following the preparatory works are also available. We will make it available to the media," he said.

Hon. Assafuah further demanded clarity on two individuals identified only as "Chase" and "Diesel", who were allegedly engaged to oversee visa processing for the US and Canadian allocations.

"There are also questions surrounding two individuals identified to us as Chase and Diesel, who were allegedly engaged to oversee visa processing activities involving the United States and Canadian allocations."

"The public deserves clarity on who these individuals are, who engaged them, the authority under which they operated and what role they played in the processing of applicants," he added.