Who paid, who received it? – Tribe Culture Fest CEO demands proof of $611,000 visa payment

The Tribe Culture Fest CEO, in a statement, denied the allegation, claiming that his company’s agreement was with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

He further categorically denied the allegations that the Tribe Culture Fest illegally received US$611,000 and is avoiding a refund.

According to Nana Boateng Gyimah, Tribe Culture did not receive the alleged US$611,000 from any private individual in connection with the arrangements in question.

He further challenged the Sports Minister to produce the evidence supporting his claims.

Parts of the statement read, “I categorically deny the allegations attributed to the Minister for Sports, Kofi Adams, that Tribe Culture Fest or I illegally received US$611,000 and are avoiding a refund”.

“For the record, Tribe Culture’s agreement was solely with the National Sports Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority. Neither I nor Tribe Culture Fest received the alleged US$611,000 from any private individual in connection with the arrangements in question”.

“I challenge the Minister to produce the evidence supporting his claims. He must provide any agreement, authorisation or consent involving me or Tribe Culture that establishes the alleged financial arrangement. He must also provide verifiable payment records showing who paid the money, who received it, when it was paid and how he arrived at the US$611,000,” he said.

Gyimah warned that the allegations could damage his reputation and the integrity of Tribe Culture Fest.

“My reputation and the integrity of Tribe Culture must not be undermined by unsubstantiated public accusations. I call on the Minister to substantiate his allegations or withdraw them and correct the public record, or have my lawyers deal with the matter,” the statement concluded.

His comment follows Kofi Adams, who accused Gyimah of being behind allegations of visa fraud against him and other government officials.

The Sports Minister detailed that Gyimah had allegedly been providing the MP with false information to divert attention from money he claimed the Tribe Culture Fest CEO had improperly collected under an agreement with the NSA to transport Ghanaians to the 2026 World Cup.

Kofi Adams alleged that Gyimah received about US$611,000 unlawfully and was using various narratives to avoid refunding the money.

“He cannot run away with $611,000 of people’s money. We must make sure that we get him, and if it is found that right from the word go, he deceived the people, we must take the appropriate criminal actions,” the minister stated.