The national sports authority has denied authorizing any arrangement under which members of the public were asked to pay for assistance in securing visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The denial follows allegations that about US$623,000 was collected from prospective travellers who were reportedly seeking help to obtain visas for the tournament, which was staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to reports, a petition dated September 8 has been submitted to the criminal investigation department of the Ghana police service over the alleged transactions. The petition is said to raise concerns about money taken from individuals on the understanding that their World Cup travel documentation would be facilitated.

But the NSA says the alleged visa operation was not sanctioned by the Authority.

In a statement, the NSA said it did not establish an office at any stadium or other location to receive payments, process applications or arrange visas for members of the public intending to travel for the World Cup.

It also said no NSA official, staff member or representative had been authorized to collect money in the name of the Authority for visa-related services.

The Authority’s response seeks to separate its recognized World Cup promotional activities from any private visa arrangement that may have been carried out by individuals or organisations.

The NSA acknowledged that it has worked with TRIBE FEST, a FIFA-licensed partner, on initiatives related to fan engagement, public viewing programmes and World Cup-centred events. Those activities have also involved the Ghana tourism authority and other collaborators.

However, the NSA stressed that the collaboration did not include an arrangement for visa facilitation. It said the partnership did not permit TRIBE FEST, NSA employees or any other person to collect funds from Ghanaians in exchange for promises of travel visas.

The clarification has become necessary following suggestions that persons connected to the authority may have been involved in the alleged collection of funds.

The NSA said it had not received the full details of the petition reportedly lodged with the CID and would not speculate on the claims or identify persons who may be mentioned in the complaint. Still, it has declared its readiness to support any official investigation.

The authority said its director-general, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and other relevant officials would make themselves available should the police require information, documentation or clarification.

It added that it would not seek to protect any person found through a credible process to have used the NSA’s name improperly or acted outside the law.

The NSA said any worker, official, partner or private individual proven to have engaged in wrongdoing should be dealt with according to the law.

The Authority also cautioned against automatically holding the institution responsible for allegations made against individuals. It said it would be unfair to conclude that any alleged misconduct was an official NSA activity unless investigators establish that it was authorized by the Authority.