The GFA has been urged to make World Cup tickets accessible
The New Ghana Social Justice Forum has formally petitioned the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to ensure that World Cup match tickets allocated to Ghana are made available to the general public through a transparent, fair, and corruption-free system.
The petition, addressed to the President of the GFA in Accra, is copied to H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana; the President of the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland; FIFA President Gianni Infantino; and the United States Embassy, Canada High Commission, and Mexico Embassy.
In the petition, the Forum emphasises that access to World Cup tickets must not be controlled by monopolies, favored groups, or intermediaries who exploit ordinary Ghanaians.
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It warns that opaque ticket distribution systems have historically created opportunities for black marketing, ticket hoarding, visa racketeering, profiteering, and organized fraud, particularly during major international tournaments.
The New Ghana Social Justice Forum recalls its long-standing commitment to civic advocacy, transparency, and social justice. Members of the organization, it notes, were detained on several occasions under previous administrations for peacefully campaigning against corruption and abuse of public trust.
According to the Forum, the democratic change demanded by Ghanaians must be reflected in accountable institutions, and silence in the face of potential wrongdoing would amount to a betrayal of that collective struggle.
To prevent abuse and restore public confidence, the Forum proposes a clear and accountable ticketing mechanism. It calls for World Cup tickets to be sold directly to the public, without preference to any individual, group, or intermediary. Crucially, it recommends that ticket purchases be made using the Ghana Card, with each ticket linked to a unique biometric national identification number. Ticket serial numbers, the petition argues, should be matched to biometric data to prevent resale, duplication, and unauthorized transfers.
According to the Forum, such a system would promote FIFA Fair Play principles, eliminate corruption and middlemen, prevent ticket hoarding and black-market resale, protect the public from visa-related fraud and extortion, and ensure equity, accountability, and national confidence in the process.
The petition also highlights the persistent problem of so-called “visa connection” syndicates that emerge during international tournaments. These groups often claim false links to government agencies or sporting authorities and exploit unsuspecting citizens.
The Forum therefore urges the GFA to accompany any transparent ticketing process with a public caution and education campaign warning Ghanaians against visa fraudsters and unauthorized agents, while encouraging individuals to make personal and direct visa applications through legitimate embassies.
The New Ghana Social Justice Forum further states that it remains deeply engaged in matters of sports governance and accountability. It references an ongoing legal action, Suit No. GJ/1244/2023, concerning democratic governance within sports administration, which it says has been duly notified to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.
The petition concludes with a strong reminder of the national mood that ushered in political change. “Ghanaians cried for change,” the Forum states, adding that this change must be reflected in transparent institutions that protect citizens from fraud, monopoly, and exploitation—values consistent with the manifesto commitments of the current administration.
Describing the appeal as noble and patriotic, the Forum calls for a level playing field for every Ghanaian in the true spirit of FIFA Fair Play, national pride, and social justice. It expresses confidence that the Ghana Football Association will act decisively in the national interest.
The petition is signed by Yahaya Alhassan, President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum.
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