Tribe Culture Fest Chief Executive Officer Nana Boateng Gyimah has denied allegations that his organisation illegally received US$611,000 and is avoiding a refund, challenging Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams to provide evidence supporting the claims.
In a press statement dated Monday, October 12, Mr Gyimah said neither he nor Tribe Culture Fest had received the alleged amount from any private individual in connection with arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He maintained that the organisation’s agreement was solely with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), rejecting allegations attributed to the minister concerning the disputed funds.
Mr Gyimah challenged Mr Adams to produce any agreement, authorisation or consent involving him or Tribe Culture Fest that establishes the alleged financial arrangement.
He also demanded verifiable payment records showing who paid the money, who received it, when the payment was made and how the figure of US$611,000 was calculated.
The denial comes amid growing controversy over arrangements involving the NSA, GTA and Tribe Culture Fest ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Mr Adams has alleged that Mr Gyimah received US$611,000 in connection with the arrangements and has called for accountability over the funds. The Sports Ministry has also said the ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service should establish the facts surrounding the controversy.
The minister has separately stated that the NSA did not inform his ministry of any visa arrangements it had reached with the US Embassy, while also saying the embassy introduced Tribe Culture Fest to the NSA and GTA during engagements concerning World Cup-related activities.
Mr Gyimah said the allegations risk undermining his reputation and the integrity of his organisation, insisting that public accusations must be supported by evidence.
He called on the minister to substantiate the claims or withdraw them and correct the public record, warning that his lawyers would deal with the matter if the allegations were not addressed.
The disputed financial arrangements and the respective roles of the organisations involved remain matters of public scrutiny, with investigations expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the payments and the World Cup-related arrangements.