The Ranking Member of Parliament for the Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has rejected an invitation to appear before a committee established by President John Dramani Mahama to investigate alleged irregularities in the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa acquisition process.
The Old Tafo MP says he will not participate in an investigation whose independence and transparency he questions, insisting that an independent commission of inquiry should instead examine the allegations involving World Cup visa acquisition and fundraising.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Mr Assafuah disclosed that the invitation was conveyed to him by the President through his presidential advisers.
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He argued that the President’s involvement in the investigation raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly because the probe could involve ministers and other officials serving in his government.
“I have respectfully boycotted that invitation. I did so on principle. The president cannot be seen to be investigating his own ministers. You cannot be a judge in your own cause,” he said.
Mr Assafuah also questioned the secrecy surrounding the committee, faulting the government for failing to make its membership, terms of reference and proceedings public.
“That committee is shrouded in complete opacity. Its terms of reference are not public, its members are unknown, and its sittings are held behind closed doors,” he stated.
The opposition MP disclosed that he had petitioned both the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and President Mahama to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged irregularities surrounding the World Cup visa acquisition process and related fundraising activities.
He argued that an independent commission would provide greater public confidence by ensuring that the investigation is conducted transparently and without political interference.
Mr Assafuah further called for the proposed commission to have the authority to compel the production of evidence, publish its findings and hold individuals accountable where wrongdoing is established.
“What Ghana needs is not a secret in-house cover-up committee. What Ghana needs is a public, transparent, independent commission of inquiry with powers to subpoena, to publish evidence and to hold persons accountable openly,” he added.