The Minority in Parliament has raised fresh concerns over allegations that individuals who are not staff of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) were being offered access to World Cup visa slots at fees ranging between $7,000 and $14,000.
Addressing the press at Parliament House, the Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee, 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 over 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.”
Mr. 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.
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Source: Nana Amoako Gyampa
