The Minority is calling for an independent investigation into allegations of fraud surrounding the government’s World Cup sponsorship initiative, claiming 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.

The caucus says it has petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over what it describes as a state-sponsored scheme to defraud sports lovers under the guise of sponsoring them to attend the World Cup.

Addressing journalists in Parliament, the Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, said participants committed funds to take part in the two competitions, only for those declared winners to be excluded from the list submitted to the embassies.

The Minority is also asking the Auditor-General to conduct an independent investigation and wants those affected to be compensated.

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless.

He said five of the 31 winners selected under the sponsorship arrangement travelled to attend the World Cup, while those who were unsuccessful had been offered the opportunity to attend future competitions or receive financial rewards.

Mr Adams’ response comes amid growing questions over the selection process and the fate of participants who were declared winners but did not travel.

The Minority has also indicated that it will not accept an invitation to participate in a presidential investigation into the matter, insisting on the need for an independent probe.

The controversy has renewed scrutiny of the World Cup sponsorship initiative, with the Minority demanding accountability and compensation for those it says were affected.