General News
GTA CEO Denies Collecting Money for 2026 World Cup Visas, Clarifies Role in Travel Arrangements
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied allegations that it collected money from applicants in exchange for visas or visa opportunities for participants expected to take part in tourism promotion activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, the Authority said it did not collect payments from applicants for visas and insisted that its Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, neither solicited nor received money to secure visas for participants.
The clarification follows public commentary and allegations surrounding visa application arrangements connected to Ghana’s tourism promotion activities during the upcoming World Cup.
The GTA said it considered it necessary to explain the circumstances surrounding its involvement in the initiative and address what it described as misconceptions about the responsibilities of the institution and its Chief Executive Officer.
According to the Authority, the 2026 FIFA World Cup presented an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s tourism potential, culture, music, fashion, crafts and creative industries to international audiences.
The GTA explained that, as the statutory institution responsible for promoting Ghana as a tourism destination, it identified the global football tournament as an important platform for international tourism promotion.
It said the initiative was presented to and approved by the Board of the Authority before plans were made for the participation of various groups.
The programme was expected to involve cultural troupes, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism industry representatives, GTA staff and heads of related agencies.
The Authority maintained that the initiative was intended to promote Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors to a global audience during the World Cup.
The Authority disclosed that it engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to obtain guidance on visa application requirements and procedures for the identified participants.
It said its involvement was limited to identifying the relevant participating groups, facilitating appropriate institutional introductions and providing guidance on the application process.
The GTA stressed that it had no authority to issue visas, guarantee approvals or determine the outcome of individual applications.
According to the statement, those decisions rested exclusively with the respective diplomatic and immigration authorities.
The clarification seeks to distinguish the Authority’s role in facilitating the initiative from the official responsibilities of the institutions that process and approve visa applications
The GTA also explained the financial arrangements for the proposed participation, stating that it initially explored the possibility of obtaining private-sector sponsorship to support the groups involved.
However, it said the substantial financial requirements made the proposed sponsorship arrangement impracticable.
As a result, participants were informed that they would have to pay their own visa application fees, travel expenses and accommodation costs.
The Authority added that participating groups independently engaged travel agents to assist with transportation, accommodation and other travel arrangements.
It used the statement to reject allegations that it collected money from applicants in exchange for visas or opportunities to obtain visas.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority unequivocally denies collecting money from any applicant in return for visas or visa opportunities,” the statement said.
The Chief Executive Officer also categorically denied soliciting, receiving or authorising payments for the purpose of securing visas.
The Authority further addressed questions surrounding the participation of media-related professionals in the tourism promotion initiative.
It argued that modern tourism promotion extends beyond conventional journalists employed by traditional media organisations.
According to the GTA, bloggers, social media influencers, digital content creators, photographers, videographers and other communications professionals play recognised roles in destination marketing and international tourism promotion.
The Authority said the professional relevance of participants should therefore be assessed based on their intended functions and promotional responsibilities rather than solely on whether they fall within conventional journalism classifications.
The explanation suggests that the programme’s media component was intended to incorporate different forms of digital communication and content creation capable of promoting Ghana to international audiences.
The GTA Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, also defended her involvement in the initiative, stating that she acted in the discharge of her official responsibilities and in furtherance of the Authority’s tourism promotion mandate.
She firmly denied any personal involvement in the sale of visas or the collection of money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities.
The statement said the circumstances surrounding the programme should be assessed using verified facts, institutional records and a clear understanding of the respective responsibilities of the parties involved.
It added that the Authority recognises the importance of public accountability and remains committed to protecting the integrity of its institutional mandate.
The Authority concluded by reaffirming its commitment to promoting Ghana’s tourism and creative industries while maintaining public confidence in its operations.
It said it would continue to uphold transparency, responsible administration and the national interest.
The statement was issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority on October 9, 2026, as the institution sought to clarify its role in the arrangements for tourism promotion activities associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.