The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied collecting money from applicants seeking visa opportunities connected to its tourism promotion activities at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, the Authority said it had no authority to issue visas, guarantee applications would be approved or influence decisions by diplomatic and immigration officials.
“At no point did GTA possess the authority to issue visas, guarantee visa approvals or determine the outcomes of individual applications. These decisions rested exclusively with the respective diplomatic and immigration authorities,” it said.
The statement followed public commentary and allegations about arrangements for participants expected to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative industries during the tournament.
The initiative was approved by the GTA Board to showcase Ghana’s tourism attractions, music, fashion, crafts and other creative sectors to international audiences. Cultural groups, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism representatives, GTA staff and heads of related agencies were among those involved.
The GTA said it contacted the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission for guidance on visa requirements and application procedures. Its role, it added, was limited to identifying participating groups, facilitating institutional introductions and advising participants on the application process.
The Authority initially considered private-sector sponsorship to help meet participants’ costs, but said the financial demands made the proposal impracticable. Participants were then told they would have to pay their own visa application fees, travel and accommodation costs.
They independently engaged travel agents to assist with those arrangements.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority unequivocally denies collecting money from any applicant in return for visas or visa opportunities. I also categorically deny that I solicited, received, or authorized payments for the purpose of securing visas,” the statement said.
GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto also rejected any suggestion that she had solicited, received or authorised payments to obtain visas. She said her involvement had been part of her official responsibilities and the Authority’s tourism-promotion mandate.
“As the CEO of the GTA, I firmly deny any personal involvement in the sale of visas or the collection of money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities,” Maame Efua Houadjeto said.
The Authority also addressed concerns over the inclusion of media participants, saying international destination marketing was not limited to journalists employed by traditional media organisations.
It said bloggers, social media influencers, digital content creators, photographers, videographers and other communications professionals played an important role in tourism promotion. Participants should therefore be judged on their intended promotional duties rather than on conventional definitions of journalism alone.
The GTA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, public accountability and promoting Ghana’s tourism and creative industries. It called for the initiative to be assessed using verified facts, institutional records and the distinct responsibilities of those involved.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
