Lawyer and Convention People’s Party (CPP) member Kwame Jantuah has called for a comprehensive, non-partisan investigation into Ghana’s World Cup visa controversy, insisting that officials found culpable must face accountability regardless of their political affiliations.
He has urged President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that the investigation covers all institutions and individuals whose actions may have contributed to the alleged irregularities, warning that political considerations could undermine efforts to establish the truth.
Speaking on Asaase Radio’s *The Forum* on Saturday, October 17, Jantuah said the controversy surrounding a list of 90 people submitted through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for United States visa processing required a transparent investigation.
He argued that the President must demonstrate a firm commitment to accountability, particularly because he is serving his final term in office.
“In certain things, he’s got to be ruthless. Irrespective of your member, not your member, your party, not your party, because that office is for the people,” Jantuah said.
He maintained that public officials should not be protected because of their political affiliations and urged Ghanaians to set aside partisan interests when addressing matters of national importance.
According to him, political divisions often prevent the public from confronting wrongdoing objectively and allow the pursuit of political advantage to overshadow the facts.
### Probe all institutions involved
Jantuah said the investigation should not focus on a single individual or institution but should examine the roles played by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
He stressed that any official or institution found to have contributed to the alleged visa irregularities should be held accountable based on the evidence established.
“If the minister is culpable, investigate it and let’s see that he’s culpable. If NSA is culpable, investigate it. If Ghana Tourism Authority is culpable, investigate it,” he said.
He also questioned the need for multiple petitions to different anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies over the same controversy, suggesting that a coordinated investigative approach could help establish the facts more effectively.
For Jantuah, the priority should be determining what happened, identifying those responsible and ensuring that the appropriate consequences follow.
### Proposes televised questioning
To promote transparency, Jantuah proposed that the questioning of individuals involved in the controversy should be televised.
He argued that allowing the public to follow the proceedings would help citizens understand the explanations provided by those under investigation and assess the authorities’ commitment to uncovering the truth.
“An investigation should be put in. And that investigation, if it’s going to be done and the people are going to be questioned, televise it,” he said.
He believes greater public visibility could strengthen confidence in the process and reduce suspicions that political considerations might influence the outcome.
His proposal comes amid calls for investigations into the alleged visa facilitation irregularities and the responsibilities of the public institutions involved.
### Background to the visa controversy
The controversy concerns allegations of visa facilitation fraud linked to arrangements for Ghanaians seeking to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Questions have been raised over how some applicants were presented to foreign diplomatic missions, including allegations that individuals may have been described as employees or affiliates of state institutions when they were not.
The US Embassy’s fraud prevention unit reportedly identified discrepancies involving four applicants and requested evidence of their employment with the National Sports Authority.
The Minority in Parliament, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for investigations into the NSA, GTA, Ministry of Youth and Sports and TRIBE Culture Fest.
The controversy has also prompted concerns about Ghana’s international reputation and the credibility of documentation submitted in support of visa applications.
Jantuah’s position is that the investigation must be guided by evidence rather than political loyalty, with every individual or institution found culpable held accountable.
He maintained that addressing the allegations transparently would help establish the facts and reinforce public confidence in the country’s institutions.
