The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of allocating FIFA World Cup travel slots to National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament and party supporters, while also alleging that Parliament has not been properly briefed on Ghana’s preparations for the tournament.

At a press briefing, Deputy Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, claimed that each NDC MP had been given two slots, while every NDC constituency had also been allocated three slots to support visa applications for the tournament.

“Government is giving NDC MPs two slots and allocating three slots to every NDC constituency,” he alleged.

Mr Iddrisu further questioned the source of funding for the alleged arrangements, suggesting that beneficiaries were being supported to attend visa interviews at the United States Embassy.

“They have sponsored people to go to the embassy. How many people have they sponsored to go to the embassy? Visa fee we know is about 185 dollars per person. Where is that money coming from? So the minister and government need to answer and respond to some of these questions,” he said.

He also criticised the Ministry of Youth and Sports for what he described as a lack of transparency regarding Ghana’s preparations for the Black Stars’ participation in the tournament.

“Why is the government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports running away from briefing Parliament or briefing Ghanaians on the preparation of the Black Stars towards the World Cup?” he asked.

Mr Iddrisu pointed to what he described as contradictions in government communication, noting that while the President had stated that the state would not sponsor supporters, allocations were allegedly still being made through other channels.

“Why is it the case that they said they are not sponsoring supporters to go to the World Cup? And why are they giving supporters’ unions slots? Why are they giving NDC MPs two slots? And why are they giving their constituencies slots for people to be sponsored to the embassy?” he queried.

He warned that the situation could have implications for Ghana’s international reputation, adding that a number of visa applications had reportedly been rejected due to concerns over screening.

Mr Iddrisu also called for the Sports Minister to appear before Parliament to provide details on match ticket purchases, funds raised for Ghana’s participation, and how those resources have been utilised.

Drawing comparisons with the previous administration, he said Parliament was fully briefed ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Africa Cup of Nations, including detailed post-tournament expenditure reports.

“When we were going to Qatar, the minister responsible for Youth and Sports briefed Parliament on the preparation, budget and everything… At the end of the tournament, they came back to Parliament and gave us the detailed expenditure,” he said.

He urged government to maintain similar standards of accountability.ntability and ensure full transparency in all matters relating to Ghana’s participation in the upcoming tournament.