Former deputy sports minister, Pius Enam Hadzide, has promised constituents in Asuogyaman a trip to the USA to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they vote for him to become their Member of Parliament.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, during his campaign tour in the constituency, vowed to help the youth travel to their desired countries for greener pastures if he is voted into power.

In an attempt to persuade the residents, he referenced the infamous Australia visa scandal, indicating how he was able to send individuals to Australia for the Commonwealth Games during his stint at the sports ministry.

"I sent people to Australia. From Ghana to Australia is 18 hours, however, I managed to take people there," he said.

"The next World Cup will be played in America. The USA is just 7 hours away. Ladies and gentlemen, if you want your children to travel to America to work and bring money home, then you should vote for me. If you are a youth here and you want to travel, vote for me. Me, Puis I will facilitate your trip," he assured.

Puis further emphasised that if he is handed the mandate he will ensure that every youth in the constituency travel to their desired country in the world.

"If you are a youth who wants to travel to Germany, America, the UK, France or anywhere in the world vote for me and I will also help you."

About the Australia Visa Scandal

Regarding the Australian visa controversy, Ghana's participation in the 2018 Commonwealth Games was overshadowed by a visa fraud scandal.

Pius Enam Hadzide allegedly aided individuals obtain visas while posing as journalists covering the game.

More than 60 people were deported from Australia for posing as journalists in order to enter the country during the games in April 2018.

The scandal led to the suspension of the then Director General for the National Sports Authority, Robert Sarfo-Mensah, and Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Pius Enam Hadzide.

The Bureau of National Investigation launched an investigation into the alleged fraud and President Akufo-Addo later announced the clearance of Hadzide.

EE/EK

I always knew one day he will speak so I, Malik Basintale will get vindicated for calling him a Visa connection man and a "Goro boy".

Dear people of Asougyaman, you believe this man at your own peril.

He will take your money and they will deport you all like they did in his… pic.twitter.com/nUrG21qLsb

— Maleek Basintale (@malik_basintale) September 11, 2024