The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has moved to clear its name over allegations surrounding visa arrangements linked to its planned tourism promotion activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued on 9 October 2026, the Authority said it had taken note of public commentary and claims about the visa application process and found it necessary to clarify its exact role and that of its Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto.
GTA explained that it identified the 2026 World Cup as a major opportunity to showcase Ghana’s tourism, culture, music, fashion, crafts and creative industries to international audiences. The initiative was presented to and approved by the Board of the Authority.
Participants in the programme included cultural troupes, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism industry representatives, staff of the Authority and heads of related agencies.
According to the statement, GTA engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission only to seek guidance on the applicable visa requirements and procedures.
The Authority’s role was limited to identifying participating groups, facilitating institutional introductions and providing guidance on the application process.
“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.
On the issue of payments, GTA said it initially explored private-sector sponsorship to support the participating groups. When the financial requirements proved too high, participants were informed that they would bear the cost of their own visa application fees, travel and accommodation. The groups later engaged travel agents independently for their arrangements.
The Authority strongly denied collecting money from any applicant in exchange for visas or visa opportunities. CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto also personally denied soliciting, receiving or authorising any such payments.
GTA further clarified that media participation in modern tourism promotion is not limited to conventional journalists. Bloggers, social-media influencers, digital content creators, photographers and videographers also play recognised roles in destination marketing.
The CEO stated that her involvement in the initiative was strictly in the discharge of her official duties 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,” she said.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, public accountability and the advancement of Ghana’s tourism and creative industries.
Read the full statement below:
