Pius Hadzide, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Asuogyaman, has made a bold campaign pledge, promising to help send voters’ children to the 2026 World Cup in the United States if elected.
At a recent campaign event, Hadzide, who boasts extensive experience in the sports sector, argued that his background could provide young Ghanaians with opportunities to participate in international sporting events.
Hadzide’s promise comes with a controversial history. In 2017, while serving as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, he was implicated in the Australian Visa scandal, where Ghanaians fraudulently posed as journalists to obtain visas for the Commonwealth Games.
Although suspended, he was later reinstated by President Nana Akufo-Addo after being exonerated.
Despite this past issue, Hadzide remains a significant figure within the NPP.
His campaign is focused on leveraging his sports experience to benefit the youth of his constituency.
His pledge has generated mixed reactions, with some questioning his past while others are hopeful about the potential opportunities for Ghanaian youth.
“Nananom, did you know that it takes 18 hours to travel from Ghana to Australia? Yet, I was able to assist some individuals in making this journey. The 2026 World Cup will be held in America, which is just a 7-hour flight from Ghana.
“If you, Nananom, desire for your children to travel to America to work and send money back home, or if you are a young person eager to explore opportunities abroad, I promise to support you when I become MP.
“Unlike my opponent, who has had the chance but failed to assist the youth, I will facilitate travel opportunities for all interested young people to destinations like Germany, America, UK, France, and Canada.
“So, I kindly ask for your support in the upcoming election, and I will ensure that I help you achieve your dreams of travelling abroad.”
