The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised concerns over what it describes as inconsistencies in the government’s handling of travel arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alleging that supporters are being quietly selected despite assurances that the state will not sponsor fans to the tournament.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, June 9, Deputy Minority Chief Whip Habib Iddrisu questioned what he said were conflicting signals between President John Dramani Mahama’s public position and actions allegedly being taken by government officials.
According to Mr. Iddrisu, the Minority has received information suggesting that National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament have each been allocated two slots for prospective World Cup travellers, while District Chief Executives (DCEs) have reportedly been asked to distribute three slots per constituency.
He argued that such arrangements, if true, contradict the government’s stated policy of not financing or facilitating supporter travel to the global football competition.
Mr. Iddrisu said the alleged allocations raise concerns about transparency, fairness and equal access to opportunities associated with the tournament.
He further expressed concern about the impact the situation could have on Ghana’s international image, particularly regarding visa applications by prospective travellers.
According to him, a large number of Ghanaians have applied for visas to attend the tournament, but only a small fraction have reportedly secured approval, which he attributed to concerns over screening and travel arrangements.
The Minority lawmaker called for clarity from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other relevant authorities, insisting that the public deserves a clear explanation on how supporter participation in the World Cup is being managed.
He maintained that any arrangement perceived to favour supporters based on political affiliation risks undermining public confidence and contradicting the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
