Former Deputy Sports Minister and New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Asuogyaman constituency, Pius Enam Hadzide, has openly acknowledged for the first time that he facilitated the travel of some Ghanaians to Australia during the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

This admission comes amidst his current campaign for parliamentary office, where he promises to provide similar opportunities for his constituents if elected.

In a bold pledge, Hadzide assured voters that he would facilitate trips to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup should he become their Member of Parliament.

During a campaign event, captured in a video seen by JoySports, Mr Hadzide drew on his experience in the sports ministry to highlight his ability to secure travel opportunities for the youth.

He stated, "Nananom, do you know something? If you're from Ghana and flying to Australia, it’s an 18-hour flight, and people went [to Australia] through me."

He added, "The next World Cup, which will be played next year, will be in America. It will take just seven hours to get there. If you want your children to go to America to work and bring money to this community, vote for me. No matter where you are from in this constituency, I will facilitate your travel if I become your MP."

The Australian Visa Scandal

In April 2018, President Akufo-Addo suspended Pious Enam Hadzide following a scandal during the 21st Commonwealth Games.

It was reported that 60 Ghanaians, posing as journalists, attempted to enter Australia under false pretences.

A statement from the presidency at the time said, “This decision has been taken following preliminary investigations into the circumstances that led to the arrest of 60 Ghanaians, who had allegedly attempted to enter Australia by false pretenses in the ongoing 21st Commonwealth Games.”

The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) subsequently launched an inquiry into the matter.

By July 2018, President Akufo-Addo cleared Hadzide of any involvement in the visa fraud, reinstating him to office.

The president remarked during the NPP delegates in Koforidua that, "On the Australian visa scandal, which has exonerated the suspended Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports from any complicity, I will lift his suspension on Monday and return him to office."

Although Hadzide was cleared of wrongdoing six years ago, he has now admitted his role in arranging the travel of Ghanaians to Australia for the event.

His current campaign draws heavily on his time in government, positioning his experience as a means to help his constituents access better opportunities.