MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib jets off to USA for World Cup as flood victims suffer back home

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The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, is currently in the United States enjoying the 2026 FIFA World Cup, multiple sources have confirmed — even as thousands of his constituents battle devastating floods, deplorable roads, and a mounting sanitation crisis back home.

The MP, who also serves as Second Deputy Minority Whip, has been noticeably absent from theconstituency at a time when residents in communities including Tetegu, Oblogo, Bojo Beach, McCarthy Hills, and parts of Weija are grappling with the aftermath of the Weija Dam spillage. The flooding, triggered by the controlled opening of the Weija Dam spill gates by Ghana Water Limited, has submerged homes, displaced families, and destroyed properties across low-lying areas. More than a thousand homes have reportedly been submerged, with water levels exceeding six feet in some areas.

Just weeks ago, Shaib himself described the situation as “heartbreaking,” saying many residents had lost almost everything. “My people are suffering. Some have lost their homes, their belongings, and their livelihoods,” he said during a visit to affected areas. Yet today, the MP is thousands of miles away, reportedly attending World Cup matches in the United States.

A costly trip

A one-way business class flight from Ghana to the USA can easily cost between US8,000 (approximately GH₵41,000–GH₵82,000). Official FIFA World Cup 2026 VIP hospitality packages start at around US73,000 (about GH₵26,000–GH₵750,000), depending on the package.

Constituents are asking: at a time when families are sleeping in churches and schools after losing their homes to floodwaters, how can their elected representative justify spending such sums on a leisure trip abroad?

Not the first controversy

This is far from the first controversy to surround the Weija-Gbawe MP. Shaib has been described as “a controversial figure in Ghanaian politics”, with his involvement in various disputes and allegations of misconduct raising questions about his suitability for public office.

Most notably, Shaib was caught on camera destroying government property — including microphones and tables — during chaotic parliamentary proceedings. The incident, which occurred during the vetting of President John Dramani Mahama’s ministerial nominees, drew widespread condemnation. Critics called for his prosecution under the Public Property Protection Act, which stipulates that anyone who damages public property faces up to five years in prison or a fine.

One commentator wrote at the time: “Jerry behaved like some prat from Kasoa or pig farm enclave. He was laughing whilst damaging property paid for by taxpayers”.

Shaib has also faced allegations of land grabbing, with reports that he unlawfully seized a parcel of land at Tse Addo and employed land guards to threaten and forcibly take over the property.

‘Where is our MP?’

Back in Weija-Gbawe, residents are left wondering why their representative is not on the ground during their hour of need.

“He was here crying about our suffering just weeks ago, and now he’s in America watching football,” one resident told this publication. “Meanwhile, our roads are still bad, our drains are choked, and people are still sleeping in shelters. Where is our MP?”

Shaib has previously called on the government to account for flood mitigation efforts and demanded the release of DRIP machinery to fix deplorable roads in the municipality. But constituents say words are not enough — and that leadership means showing up, especially in times of crisis.

As of press time, Shaib had not responded to requests for comment on his whereabouts or the cost of his trip.

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Additional reporting by [Your Name/Publication]