The New Ghana Social Justice Forum (NGSJF) has called for the immediate resignation of the Sports Minister, Hon. Mustapha Usif, following a series of visa scandals, including a recent controversy in Norway.
The group accused the minister of turning the Sports Ministry into a hub for visa fraud and abuse of state documents under his administration.
The NGSJF’s spokesperson, Yahaya Alhassan, in a statement expressed concern over the minister’s association with African Origin Travels and Sports Tourism, travel agencies accused of defrauding Ghanaians through non-refundable visa fees.
“The Sports Ministry has become an obscene visa crime scene, nurturing fraudsters and abusing state documents,” Alhassan stated.
Yahaya Alhassan recounted an incident from June 2022, where he challenged the minister over his support for African Origin Travels, whose CEO, Samson Deen, allegedly duped thousands of Ghanaians by charging exorbitant fees without delivering promised visas.
Alhassan said, “For a recent sporting trip to Costa Rica, Ghanaians were made to pay a non-refundable deposit of GH¢ 5000. Many did not receive visas, nor their money back.”
Despite warnings and protests from the NGSJF, the Minister has defended Deen and continued to work with him.
“I would work with him today and tomorrow. Samson Deen is the president of the African Paralympic Committee. Show me the evidence,” the minister allegedly retorted.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has distanced itself from the scandal, stating that African Origin was appointed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, not the GFA.
A letter signed by GFA General Secretary, Mr. Prosper Harrison Addo, confirmed this separation: “Kindly channel your grievances to the ministry.”
The NGSJF believes the Sports Minister has a vested interest in maintaining ties with Deen despite the ongoing controversies.
Alhassan claimed, “The Sports Minister should be entirely blamed for the latest Norwegian visa scandal that has tarnished Ghana’s image worldwide.”
Yahaya disclosed that allegations have also emerged against Ibrahim Sannie Vanbel, an associate of the Minister, who is accused of defrauding Zongo youth under the pretense of securing visas.
The case is currently in the high court under Suit No. GT/0301/2022.
“The evil culture of the highest bidder compounds corruption in Ghana,” Alhassan stated, emphasizing the need for systemic change and accountability within the Ministry.
The NGSJF has urged the Office of the President, diplomatic missions, media, and anti-corruption organizations to join their call for the Sports Minister’s resignation, seeking to restore integrity within the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
