Ministry warns against World Cup visa contractors

Accra, Dec. 28, GNA - The Ministry of Education and Sports has not authorised anyone to issue out tickets or acquire visas for Ghanaians intending to travel to Germany to support the Black Stars at next summer's World Cup. Anyone who paid money to anybody did so at his or her own risk, a statement from the Ministry signed by Mr O. B. Amoah, a Deputy Minister, said each applicant would be required to submit the necessary documents and go through an interview process at the Germany Embassy before visas would be issued out.

The statement said information reaching the Ministry indicated that some individuals have taken advantage of the up-coming World Cup to demand 4,000 Euros from unsuspecting applicants to assist them with tickets and visas. It warned Ghanaians that dealing with such people was illegal and urged them to report "such fraudsters" to either the Ministry or the Police. The statement urged the football public not to panic but approach the appropriate quarters (Ministry and GFA) for the right information on where to go for assistance.

The Black Stars would be making their maiden appearance at the World Cup after toping a five-nation group made up of South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde Islands during the qualifying series. Ghana has been paired in group E with Italy, Czech Republic and United States of America. The Stars play Italy in a group opener at Hanover, on June 12.