OSP investigates alleged corruption in 2026 World Cup sponsorship deals

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched investigations into suspected corruption involving contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority (NSA) and alleged financial irregularities in arrangements relating to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The investigations follow petitions received by the Office alleging possible abuse of public office in the arrangements surrounding Ghana’s World Cup sponsorship initiative.

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In an update on its investigations on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the OSP confirmed that it was looking into contracts awarded by the NSA to various service providers.

“The Office of the Special Prosecutor is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority (NSA) to various service providers.

“The Office has also received petitions alleging financial irregularities and possible abuse of public office in arrangements relating to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the statement said.

According to the OSP, the allegations cover several aspects of the sponsorship initiative, including the selection and accreditation of beneficiaries, visa facilitation and payments reportedly made by prospective beneficiaries.

They also concern the management of money generated through the sponsorship initiative and the allocation of travel opportunities.

Another concern raised in the petitions is the alleged exclusion of some competition winners from the final list of beneficiaries submitted to foreign diplomatic missions.

According to the OSP, some individuals who were declared winners of competitions linked to the sponsorship initiative were allegedly left out of the final beneficiary lists.

“The Office has also received allegations that persons declared winners of competitions linked to the sponsorship initiative were excluded from final beneficiary lists submitted to foreign diplomatic missions,” it added.

The OSP said it would provide further information on any action taken as part of the investigations in line with its disclosure policy.

It will be recalled that the Minority Caucus in Parliament petitioned the OSP on November 5, 2026, for an independent investigation into allegations of fraud surrounding the government’s World Cup sponsorship initiative.

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The Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, had claimed that 229 sports enthusiasts were declared winners in two separate competitions but were not included on the list submitted to the US and Canadian embassies.

Apart from the OSP, the group also asked the Auditor-General to conduct an independent investigation and compensate those affected.

MAG/BAI

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