The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied collecting money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities linked to its tourism promotion activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, the Authority said it had no power to issue visas, guarantee approvals or influence decisions made by diplomatic and immigration authorities.
“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,” the statement said.
The clarification follows public commentary and allegations concerning visa application arrangements for participants expected to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative industries during the tournament.
The GTA said the initiative was approved by its Board as part of efforts to showcase Ghana’s tourism attractions, music, fashion, crafts and other creative industries to international audiences.
Participants included cultural groups, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism industry representatives, GTA staff and heads of related agencies.
The Authority said it engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to obtain guidance on visa requirements and application procedures.
It maintained that its role was limited to identifying participating groups, facilitating institutional introductions and providing guidance on the application process.
The GTA said it initially explored private-sector sponsorship to support participants but abandoned the arrangement after the financial requirements proved impracticable.
Participants were subsequently informed that they would be responsible for their visa application fees, travel and accommodation expenses.
“The Authority initially explored private-sector sponsorship to support participating groups. However, the substantial financial requirements made the proposed sponsorship arrangement impracticable.
“Consequently, participants were informed that they would be responsible for their own visa application fees, travel and accommodation expenses,” GTA noted.
The applicants independently engaged travel agents to assist with their arrangements.
The Authority categorically denied collecting money from applicants in exchange for visas or opportunities to obtain them.
“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,” portions of the statement read.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, also denied soliciting, receiving or authorising payments to secure visas, insisting that her involvement was in the discharge of her official duties.
“I wish to make clear that my involvement in the initiative was undertaken in the discharge of my official responsibilities and in furtherance of 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 clarified.
On concerns about media participation, the GTA said tourism promotion involves more than journalists working for traditional media houses.
It identified bloggers, social media influencers, digital content creators, photographers, videographers and other communications professionals as important contributors to destination marketing and international tourism promotion.
The Authority said participants should therefore be assessed based on their intended roles and promotional responsibilities rather than conventional classifications of journalism alone.
The GTA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, public accountability and the promotion of Ghana’s tourism and creative industries, urging that the circumstances surrounding the initiative be assessed using verified facts, institutional records and the respective responsibilities of the parties involved.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
